The pressure is mounting on Xabi Alonso in his inaugural season steering Real Madrid, but the club’s ambitions haven’t wavered. Behind the scenes, a quiet reshaping of the squad is already underway, focused on identifying the next generation of midfield dominance.
One name consistently surfacing in Madrid’s scouting reports is Vitinha, the dynamic Portuguese midfielder currently captivating audiences at PSG. However, acquiring such established talent presents a challenge – Real Madrid are reluctant to dismantle their existing core, even for a player of Vitinha’s caliber.
Instead, the focus has shifted to a rising star in the English Premier League: Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace. The 21-year-old has quickly become a coveted asset, drawing interest from several of England’s elite clubs.
Wharton’s current contract with Palace, secured until 2029, provides the London club with significant leverage. Any potential suitor will face a substantial transfer fee, reflecting Wharton’s burgeoning potential and the long-term commitment he’s already made to the Eagles.
Chelsea, meanwhile, appear resolute in their stance regarding another midfield talent, Enzo Fernandez. Despite his hefty price tag from 2023, the Blues are reportedly unwilling to even entertain offers, viewing Fernandez as a cornerstone of their future.
But the most intriguing development centers on a relatively unknown teenager: Kees Smit, a 19-year-old sensation from AZ Alkmaar. Smit represents a different profile – a long-term project with immense upside.
Despite only making his senior debut in 2024, Smit has rapidly ascended through the ranks, showcasing his abilities in the Eredivisie, Europa League, and Conference League. His performances culminated in a Player of the Tournament award at the 2025 European Under-19 Championship, a testament to his exceptional talent.
AZ Alkmaar have placed a £52 million valuation on Smit, a figure Real Madrid anticipates will only increase as his star continues to rise. The Spanish giants are seriously considering a move as early as this month, recognizing the potential to secure a future midfield maestro before his price becomes prohibitive.
The pursuit of Smit underscores Real Madrid’s strategic shift – a willingness to invest in unproven talent with the potential to become world-class, rather than solely relying on established names. It’s a bold move, but one that could define the club’s midfield for years to come.
