While Alvaro Arbeloa remains focused on the immediate challenges ahead, the club — traditionally discreet during the winter window — is already laying the groundwork for future reinforcements.

According to AS, the sporting department has identified two strategic profiles to strengthen the spine of the team: a central defender and a deep-lying playmaker. In midfield, one name stands out above the rest: Kees Smit.

Defensive reinforcement has been on the agenda for some time. Although Dean Huijsen arrived recently, the former Bournemouth defender has struggled for consistency in his debut season.

Injuries to Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have further exposed the fragility of the back line, with only Raul Asencio enjoying sustained availability. As a result, Aurelien Tchouameni has even been deployed out of position, underlining the need for a reliable defensive solution.

Yet it is in midfield where the imbalance feels most acute. Real Madrid lack a true organiser — a player capable of dictating tempo, managing possession and connecting the lines.

Neither Jude Bellingham nor Arda Guler fits that profile, while Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde offer dynamism rather than orchestration. The absence of a genuine brain in the engine room has pushed the club towards AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit.

With elite options such as Vitinha currently deemed financially unrealistic, at least in the short term, Madrid have turned their attention to high-potential profiles. Smit, closely monitored for months, fits the criteria perfectly: young, technically gifted and tactically mature.

Who is Kees Smit?

Still only 20, Kees Smit has already amassed 62 appearances for AZ Alkmaar's first team and is now in his third senior season. Under Lee-Roy Echteld, he has become an undisputed starter, combining impressive stamina with refined ball-playing qualities.

Smit stands out for his passing accuracy, speed of circulation and ability to read the game from deep areas. Comfortable operating across multiple midfield zones, he regularly breaks lines with forward passes and shows a maturity beyond his years in decision-making.

A profile that aligns closely with what Real Madrid believe their midfield has been missing.

Kees Smit

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