Real Madrid have reportedly identified two players who could address their midfield struggles next season.
AZ Alkmaar youngster Kees Smit and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) conductor Vitinha are the top two names on their list.
Kees Smit Emerges As a Priority Target for Real Madrid
According to journalist Jose Felix Diaz (via Diario AS), Real Madrid are eager to solve their midfield woes next summer.
With the exception of Aurelien Tchouameni, none of the midfielders have impressed the Madrid hierarchy. A revamp is being considered, and Los Blancos have prepared two plans of attack.
The first one is to sign a young midfielder who can eventually play a starring role, and Kees Smit is considered to be the right fit.
Smit plans to leave Alkmaar in the next 18 months and is hopeful of securing a good move, both for himself and the Dutch club. He wishes to go for at least €30 million, as it would make him Alkmaar’s most expensive sale.
CONFIRMED: Real Madrid have now set a midfield signing as a PRIORITY for next season.
Out of all options, Kees Smit currently STANDS OUT. @jfelixdiaz pic.twitter.com/y2R7eA3BMA
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 30, 2025
Real Madrid believe the 19-year-old has the quality to quickly adapt to the demands of Spanish football. Smit has shown he can control the tempo in midfield – something Madrid have struggled with this season.
He has already played 58 top-flight games and looks composed well beyond his years.
However, Real Madrid understand that signing him will not be straightforward.
Smit has been linked with multiple clubs, with Crystal Palace and Newcastle United reportedly preparing sizable offers for the player.
Vitinha is the Dream Target for Real Madrid
While Kees Smit is an excellent choice, he may take a while to rise to a leadership position in midfield. So, Real Madrid are also considering players who might be able to make an immediate impact.
Los Merengues hold Vitinha in high regard. However, they know that signing the Portuguese midfielder is almost impossible.
Vitinha sees his PSG contract expire in June 2029, meaning the Parisians can keep him at the club even if the player agrees to move.
In the aftermath of Kylian Mbappe’s transfer, the relationship between PSG and Madrid is believed to be rocky, which complicates a potential move.
Vinicius Jr vs Lamine Yamal in LaLiga this season:
18 games 14 games
5 goals 7 goals
5 assists 7 assists
6 big chances 11 big chances
43 dribbles 78 dribbles
7.5 rating 8.4 rating pic.twitter.com/cjlRTdYWpM— Sholy Nation Sports (@Sholynationsp) December 22, 2025
According to some reports, Real Madrid could entice PSG by offering Vinicius Junior in exchange for Vitinha.
The Brazilian has not signed an extension with Real Madrid despite prolonged negotiations, and was recently booed at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The No. 7 reportedly wants to be the joint-highest player at the club alongside Kylian Mbappe and has already turned down a €20 million/year offer.
Real Madrid have been told that Vinicius Jr. does not deserve a Mbappe-level contract, and the club should sell him next summer if he does not renew.
It will be interesting to see how the situation develops in the coming weeks.
