Real Madrid could turn to €60 million-rated Dutch sensation as alternative midfield target

Real Madrid could turn to €60 million-rated Dutch sensation as alternative midfield target Real Madrid’s summer rebuild shows no signs of slowing down.  According to a report from Mario Cortegana in The Athletic , AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has emerged as another option for the Spanish giants as they continue their search for midfield reinforcements ahead of next season. Despite already securing the arrivals of Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella, Real Madrid remain active in the market .  On that note, strengthening the midfield remains one of the club’s biggest priorities, with Jose Mourinho keen to add both quality and long-term security to a department that could undergo further changes in the coming years. While several high-profile names have been discussed internally, Smit is increasingly being viewed as a player who could fit Madrid’s long-term project. Real Madrid’s long-term midfield solution Kees Smit is back on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images) According to the outlet, the 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder is attracting serious attention from Real Madrid’s recruitment department. Smit is regarded as one of Dutch football’s brightest young talents and has continued to impress with his technical quality, composure in possession and ability to influence matches from midfield.  However, signing the youngster would not come cheaply, as AZ Alkmaar are said to value the midfielder at around €60 million, a significant fee for a player who is still at the early stages of his career. The encouraging aspect for Real Madrid is that the move appeals to the player himself.  The opportunity to join one of Europe’s biggest clubs is believed to be attractive to Smit, potentially giving Madrid an advantage if they decide to advance their interest. Jorge Mendes could become a key figure One factor that could prove important is the involvement of Jorge Mendes. Real Madrid admire Smit’s qualities. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images) The influential super-agent is handling the player’s situation on behalf of AZ Alkmaar, and given Mendes’ long-standing relationship with Mourinho and Real Madrid, his involvement could become a decisive element if negotiations eventually begin. For now, there is no indication that a formal offer has been submitted, but the groundwork appears to be in place should the club decide to accelerate its pursuit of the Dutch midfielder. A pending decision It must be remembered that Smit is not the only name under consideration, with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez also admired internally .  Another player being monitored is West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, although he is more likely to join Manchester United . That leaves Real Madrid facing an interesting choice. They can pursue a proven world-class midfielder such as Enzo Fernandez at a premium cost, or they can invest in a younger profile like Smit, who could develop into a cornerstone of the team over the coming years.