Madrid Pursues Signing of Elusive Paris Saint-Germain Ace
Real Madrid, fresh under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, is actively seeking to fill the vacant midfield positions left by the departures of Toni Kroos (retired) and Luka Modric (set to leave for AC Milan after his contract expires).
## Emerging Midfield Candidates
Two players have emerged as potential successors, each with their unique strengths:
### Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)
The young Dutch midfielder, recently named UEFA European Under-19 Championship Player of the Tournament, boasts a technical ability, vision, and goal threat that has drawn comparisons to Modric.
### Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Portuguese midfielder, currently at PSG, is a creative, dynamic, and comfortable player in possession, fitting the profile of a modern central midfielder.
## Previously Considered: Angelo Stiller (VfB Stuttgart)
Although linked with Madrid, German midfielder Angelo Stiller is no longer on the shortlist, as Real Madrid decided not to pursue him.
## Alternative Solutions and Internal Talent
Dean Huijsen, primarily a centre-back, has impressed as a playmaker from the back, showcasing creativity and responsibility in launching Real Madrid’s play during the Club World Cup. Although not a direct midfield replacement, his emergence provides Alonso with an alternative to traditional midfield creativity.
Other high-profile options, such as Martin Zubimendi (failed), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Rodri (Manchester City), and Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), have been mentioned, but these are considered unlikely due to high transfer fees and competition.
## Summary
| Player | Club | Role/Profile | Status/Action | |----------------|-----------------|-----------------------------|------------------------------| | Kees Smit | AZ Alkmaar | Young, creative CM | Increased interest | | Vitinha | PSG | Creative, dynamic CM | Admired, possible target | | Angelo Stiller | VfB Stuttgart | Central midfielder | Dropped from shortlist | | Dean Huijsen | Real Madrid | CB/playmaker (from defense) | Impressed as stopgap |
## Conclusion
Real Madrid's main targets to replace Kroos and Modric in midfield currently centre on Kees Smit and Vitinha, both of whom offer creative and technical qualities. Dean Huijsen, primarily a defender, has also made a strong impression as a ball-playing alternative. Other high-profile options have been considered but deemed less likely due to logistical or financial reasons.
Sports enthusiasts will be closely watching Real Madrid's pursuit in football's European-leagues, as the club, under Xabi Alonso's leadership, seeks to fill the midfield positions vacated by Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Two potential replacements have emerged: the promising Dutch midfielder, Kees Smit, being hailed for his technical ability and goal threat akin to Modric; and Vitinha, the Portuguese midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain, whose creativity and dynamic play make him a fitting modern midfielder.
