With Dani Ceballos expected to leave Real Madrid in 2026, the Spanish side will pursue one of Man Utd’s Kobbie Mainoo, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton or AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit as his replacement. Source: Defensa Central.

Real Madrid have been quoted a price tag of €40 million ($46.5 million) for AZ Alkmaar prodigy Kees Smit.

Marca reports on Real Madrid's interest in Kees Smit as a potential future investment. Real Madrid has shown interest in Kees Smit, viewing him as a future investment. His performance against Real Madrid in the Youth League impressed the club. However, they are currently hesitant due to his young age and the current squad's composition.

Real Madrid are interested in 19-year-old midfielder Kees Smit who has risen to prominence in the Eredivisie. A scout was reportedly present at AZ Alkmaar’s draw with FC Voldenham to assess the player.

Xabi Alonso has proposed Kees Smit as a potential signing for the midfield to the Real Madrid management, but the proposal was rejected by the club's decision-makers.

Keen Smit, a 19-year-old midfielder from AZ, has been linked with Real Madrid. He was recently named the best player at the under-19 European Championship. Smit is aware of the interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, and he has spoken about it in HN Nieuws. He expressed that the interest is positive but also uncertain about playing time if he moves to such a big club. He feels honored by the interest but stated that there is nothing concrete yet, just interest.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is impressed with Kees Smit and sees him as a necessary addition to the team. The Madrid board likes Smit but does not want to pay a transfer fee, considering selling Daniel Ceballos to fund the deal. Marca described Smit as ‘a serious option’ with Madrid having made contacts and approaches. Smit considers playing for Real Madrid a dream.

Mundo Deportivo has reported that Real Madrid is showing interest in signing Kees Smit, a promising 19-year-old midfielder from AZ Alkmaar. The Spanish club is keen on acquiring Smit, who gained prominence after an impressive performance at the U19 European Championship, where the Netherlands emerged victorious. Recently, Real Madrid has intensified their pursuit to secure Smit's transfer. It is noted that Smit has a fondness for Real Madrid, as evidenced by a viral photo of him donning an orange jersey from the previous season. The club aims to bolster its midfield options following the retirement of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric's departure.

Kees Smit's agent confirmed to ESPN that he is being followed by clubs including Real Madrid. His impressive performance at the youth European Championship, where he was named Player of the Tournament and joint top scorer, has garnered interest.

Kees Smit has attracted the interest of Real Madrid following his impressive displays at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with the Netherlands. Real Madrid is already familiar with Smit from AZ's successful Youth League campaign two years prior, where he played a full match as AZ triumphed over Real Madrid and eventually won the tournament. Throughout the championship, Smit scored in every match for the Netherlands in Romania, amassing a total of four goals. Real Madrid has taken note of his talent along with other players such as Antonio Cordero, who has now joined Newcastle, Pablo García from Real Betis, and Jon Martín of Real Sociedad. According to Transfermarkt, AZ has set Smit's price at twenty million euros. Despite the interest from top clubs, including Ajax, Smit reportedly is not currently considering a transfer and aims to concentrate on his opportunities at AZ, where he was a regular starter last season.