Real Madrid have been handed a potential boost in their search for midfield reinforcements, with Kees Smit reportedly open to making a move to La Liga in the near future.
Smit has recently emerged as one of the young profiles on Madrid’s radar as the club continues to assess long-term options to strengthen the centre of the park.
With the void left by the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric yet to be fully addressed, the Spanish giants are expected to prioritise midfield additions this summer.
Smit’s stance could be vital to any potential move, and the 20-year-old is understood to be keen on testing himself in Spain, with La Liga viewed as an ideal next step in his development.
While he has remained committed to his growth at AZ Alkmaar, there is an increasing sense that a move abroad may not be far off.
“[I’d like to play in] La Liga. Playing there would be great. I love the sun; I’m tired of playing in so much cold and rain, so I’d love to go and play in Spain,” Smit told Supergaande TV in a recent interview.
“Ideally, I’d like to take the next step at another team in the Netherlands, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I never considered leaving AZ. My dream was to play here for the rest of my life.”
Real Madrid are not alone in monitoring his situation. The Dutch midfielder is attracting lots of interest, with clubs across Europe keeping close tabs on his progress, including potential competition from both England and Germany.
There is also a possible angle involving Barcelona, given the player’s long-standing admiration for the Catalan side.
Smit’s development has been quite impressive with his performances at youth level, particularly his outstanding displays at the 2025 UEFA Under-19 European Championship, strongly enhancing his reputation as one of the more promising midfield talents in his age group.
For Real Madrid, the appeal lies in his profile, a technically sound midfielder with room to develop into a superstar in the long-term.
However, any move will likely depend on how the club prioritises its targets and navigates competition for his signature.
