Real Madrid began taking early steps to strengthen its squad, placing transfer dealings at the top of its priorities to boost the team's strength in the upcoming seasons. With Niko Baz's return from Como nearing, the sports management has become aware of the need for an additional midfielder, especially given the significant impact of the departures of major players like Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić.

The club is considering several names to strengthen the midfield, including players who are difficult to sign such as the Portuguese Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), and the Argentinians Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) and Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), as well as young talents like the Englishman Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace). However, the most prominent name currently on Real Madrid's table is the Dutchman Kees Smit, the 19-year-old AZ Alkmaar player.

Smeets has attracted wide interest from several European clubs after delivering impressive performances in the Dutch league, where he played 58 matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 7 assists. He has also caught the attention of the Netherlands national team coach Ronald Koeman, who gave him the opportunity to appear with the senior national team and even compared him to the Spanish star Pedri, in high praise of his technical abilities.

Smit had caught the attention of Real Madrid scouts since the 2022-2023 season, following his outstanding performance in the UEFA Youth League when AZ Alkmaar defeated Real Madrid 4-0. Since then, the player has continued his remarkable development, winning the UEFA Youth League title and leaving a distinctive mark, including an incredible goal against Barcelona from the middle of the pitch. He also received the Best Player award at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Romania, after winning the final against Spain.

While Real Madrid recognizes the difficulty of the deal due to strong competition, Kays Smit is considered an ideal option that aligns with the club's policy of signing young talents ready to step up to a higher level, remaining one of the top candidates to strengthen the Merengues' midfield in the near future.