Real Madrid has started to look toward the future after the complete overhaul of its midfield. The goal is to find a playmaker with the ability to lead. It's not an easy task, as the most outstanding options are currently out of reach.
Rodri, Vitinha, or Barella have been analyzed in recent months. All of them fit the ideal profile, but their price makes them unrealistic options. The market is increasingly inflated, and Madrid doesn't want to make any reckless moves.
Given this situation, a clear decision has been made: wait until 2026. By then, Juni Calafat will have more complete reports on emerging talents who can fill that need. The sporting management wants to bet on a promising player who's still growing.
Dani Ceballos's continuity hanging in the air
Juni Calafat, the top official of the scouting network, works in direct contact with Florentino Pérez. Both agree that it's necessary to bring in a reliable holding midfielder. Right now, Dani Ceballos's situation is completely hanging in the air.
In that context, the sporting area has already pointed to a very specific name. It's the great gem emerging in Dutch soccer. A midfielder with the talent to create, move, and organize from deep.
This footballer could become the number one target for the 2026-2027 season. Juni Calafat has promised to closely follow his development in the coming months. If everything goes well, his signing will be set in motion.
Real Madrid and Juni Calafat focus on Kees Smit
The name is Kees Smit, and he's dazzling in the Netherlands. Despite his young age, his quality on the ball doesn't go unnoticed. In Madrid, they believe he has the qualities to shine in the long term.
Xabi Alonso, who will manage this season, will have to make do with what he has in midfield. Dani Ceballos starts as one of his best options in that position. However, the situation could change as soon as a new transfer window opens.
The monitoring of Kees Smit is neither casual nor improvised. He's a very necessary profile for the style Real Madrid is looking for. The best part: his cost wouldn't be as high as that of other elite names.
If Kees Smit arrives, Ceballos will have to look for an exit
The arrival of the Dutchman would have a direct consequence. Dani Ceballos would have to leave the squad, as he'd have no real place in the rotation. The management already sees that scenario as the most likely.
Until then, there will be room to evaluate the Spaniard's performance this season. Everyone in Valdebebas knows the bet is going in another direction. The future is already on Juni Calafat's radar.
In 2026, Real Madrid will take another step toward the complete renewal of its midfield. Kees Smit is the name everyone should memorize from now on.