Unexpected choice. AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit is Real Madrid's top priority for the central midfield position

Real Madrid is on the hunt for a new central midfielder. While their shortlist includes much more high-profile names, Los Blancos have zeroed in on the Dutch midfielder.

Details: According to AS, Real’s shortlist features such well-known players as Vitinha (PSG), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace). Nonetheless, the top priority for the Madrid club at the moment is Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar. The 19-year-old midfielder caught Real’s scouts’ eye back in the 2022/23 season, when he played in the UEFA Youth League.

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It’s reported that there will be stiff competition from other European clubs for the talented midfielder, but Real have been monitoring him for a long time and continue to closely follow his progress.

Notably, this season the Dutchman has already made 27 appearances for AZ Alkmaar across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing five assists.

Reminder: Real defender Dean Huijsen has suffered another injury and will likely miss the La Liga match against Betis.