Real Madrid are once again showing why they remain one of the most powerful forces in world football, both on the pitch and in the transfer market.
Even during a season filled with pressure and uncertainty, the Spanish giants are already planning far ahead, targeting players they believe can shape the next decade at the club. Recent reports suggest they are now leading the race for one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders, while also quietly considering a bold move for a key Tottenham player that could send shockwaves across the Premier League.
Xabi Alonso has had a demanding first half of the season at the Bernabéu, with results not always matching expectations. Despite the scrutiny, the club’s hierarchy continue to back him, and their recruitment team has not slowed down.
The long-term vision remains clear: sign elite young talent early, develop them in Madrid’s environment, and build another dominant era. That philosophy has already brought success in recent years, and it is shaping their current plans once again.
One name now sitting very high on Real Madrid’s list is Kees Smit. The 19-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder has enjoyed a remarkable rise and is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young players in Europe.
Calm on the ball, intelligent in tight spaces, and mature beyond his age, Smit has caught the attention of top clubs across the continent. Premier League sides such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been monitoring him closely, while other English clubs have also shown interest.
However, Real Madrid appear to have moved a step ahead of everyone else. Reports from Spain claim that the player himself is very open to a move to Madrid and has already indicated his desire to join if the club makes a formal approach next summer.
This willingness could give Madrid a decisive edge, especially in a market where competition is fierce and timing is everything. The club’s chief scout is believed to be a strong admirer of Smit and sees him as a perfect fit for Madrid’s long-term midfield plans.
Smit’s reputation continues to grow at an incredible pace. He has been compared to Pedri for his style of play, with praise coming not only from club scouts but also from respected figures in Dutch football.
Some have described him as a rare “diamond” and even a “mega-talent,” labels that are not handed out lightly. His performances suggest he has both the technical quality and the mental strength needed to succeed at the highest level.
Of course, signing him will not come cheap. AZ Alkmaar are well aware of the asset they have and are under no pressure to sell. Sources indicate that they would demand well over €60 million, with some believing the final price could climb as high as €75 million.
That figure alone is enough to scare off many clubs, but for Real Madrid, it is viewed as an investment rather than a risk if the player fulfills his enormous potential.
While the pursuit of Smit highlights Madrid’s focus on youth, their interest does not stop there. Another area they are looking to strengthen is right-back.
Despite having options, there is a belief within the club that more competition is needed in that position. This has led to renewed links with Tottenham defender Pedro Porro, a player Madrid have admired for some time.
Porro has been a consistent performer for Spurs since his arrival from Sporting CP, offering energy, attacking threat, and reliability down the right side.
He has contributed both goals and assists and has become an important figure in Tottenham’s system. Still, with Dani Carvajal now well into his thirties, Madrid are thinking ahead and considering who could eventually take over that role or at least push for it.
Any move for Porro would be complicated. He is under contract at Tottenham until 2028, and Spurs would have little desire to sell, especially during the season. It would take a very convincing offer to even open discussions.
Yet this is not the first time Porro has been linked with Madrid, which suggests the interest may be genuine rather than speculative. Whether it turns into a formal approach remains to be seen, but the possibility alone has already raised eyebrows.
Alongside these developments, Madrid’s recruitment radar also extends to the Premier League midfield. Jude Bellingham is said to be playing an influential role behind the scenes, reportedly encouraging the club to consider Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
The England international has impressed many with his composure and reading of the game, and he is already attracting attention from several top clubs.
Manchester United have long admired Wharton, while Liverpool are also believed to be tracking his progress closely. Palace, however, are in no rush to sell and have made it clear they will not consider offers in the short term. Reports suggest that Madrid would need to pay a huge fee, potentially around €80 million, to tempt Palace into negotiations.
Taken together, these stories paint a clear picture of Real Madrid’s thinking. They are not reacting to the present moment alone but are carefully shaping the future.
By targeting players like Kees Smit, considering proven Premier League performers such as Porro, and listening to voices like Bellingham’s on emerging English talent, Madrid are laying the groundwork for sustained success.
For clubs like Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace, this growing interest serves as a reminder of Madrid’s pulling power. When the Spanish giants decide to move, the entire market feels it.
The coming months promise plenty of intrigue, but one thing is certain: Real Madrid are already planning their next big moves, and they intend to stay ahead of everyone else.
