Real Madrid suffer major setback as midfield target signs new contract with Dutch club

Real Madrid suffer major setback as midfield target signs new contract with Dutch club Real Madrid have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Kees Smit, with the AZ Alkmaar midfielder committing his future to the Dutch club until 2030, according to SPORT . Smit had been closely monitored by Real Madrid during the summer as the club assessed midfield options, with his ability to control games and dictate play making him an attractive profile for the Spanish giants. Notably, while his new contract does not necessarily mean he will spend the next four years in Alkmaar, it has given AZ considerably more control over his future. Real Madrid lose considerable ground For much of the summer, Smit appeared to be a candidate to leave AZ.  Interest from major European clubs failed to develop into a concrete offer, however, and the situation changed in August when AZ’s management made it clear that the midfielder would not be leaving. That opened the door for negotiations over a new contract, eventually resulting in the agreement that keeps Smit at the club until 2030. Kees Smit has signed a new contract with AZ Alkmaar. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images) On that note, the midfielder had already hinted at how dramatically the situation changed . “To be honest, at first I had the feeling that I was going to leave, but then it turned out that the coach really wanted me to stay,” Smit admitted in September. As a result, the renewal comes as a significant change for Real Madrid and the other clubs tracking him because AZ now have far less reason to consider a sale and can demand considerably more favourable terms. Real Madrid transfer plans included ‘Pedri of the Netherlands’ Real Madrid’s interest was understandable given the type of midfielder Smit represents. The club had been exploring several options during the summer while searching for a player capable of controlling possession, bringing composure to the midfield and helping dictate the tempo of matches. Real Madrid were linked with Kees Smit during the summer transfer window. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images) Smit’s profile fitted that requirement particularly well. His performances for AZ and the Netherlands have earned him the nickname the “Pedri of the Netherlands” , which further boosted his profile. Ultimately, Real Madrid opted for a different solution by bringing in Bernardo Silva.  Although the Portuguese offers a different profile and experience, the pursuit of Smit still did not develop into a transfer. As such, Smit’s new deal does not completely rule out a future move to Real Madrid. AZ have simply changed the negotiating ground. Rather than dealing with a club facing pressure to sell, any future suitor will now have to put convincing financial proposal to let them consider.