Real Madrid identify the ‘new Modric’ to reinforce midfield, face serious competition

Real Madrid are already overloaded in the attacking midfielder department with Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler fighting for minutes and even Franco Mastantuono is an option to play in the position.

The club, however, remain attentive to the situations of young prospects who can play in other midfield positions deeper in the formation and AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit has emerged as an option in recent times.

Already seen as one of the sport’s biggest talents in his position, he has caught the eyes of several of Europe’s elite and Real Madrid’s Juni Calafat also rates him highly as a target for the club.

The new Modric?

As relayed by Defensa Central, several key figures at Real Madrid see Smit to be the next Luka Modric, even ahead of other targets like Adam Wharton and Angelo Stiller.

Calafat has been following the Dutch midfield prodigy for a long time now and is prepared for the massive battle that will ensue in the summer for his signing.

Man in demand (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Surprisingly, however, some teams like Newcastle United are eyeing the winter transfer market as a possible time to swoop him for a lower price, and thus avoid the bloodbath in June.

The player, however, knows well that he will have better options if he waits six months. AZ Alkmaar, moreover, have no plans of allowing Smit to leave this winter and values the player at a staggering €60 million if they are to make any future sale.

Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, and FC Barcelona are all interested in the young star, and it is thus clear that a big battle will ensue in the summer.

The player, for his part, recently admitted that Barcelona is his favourite club, partially dampening Los Blancos’ hopes.