Real Madrid hold edge in €60m Kees Smit battle with Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid

Real Madrid currently have the advantage in the race to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, with Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid also monitoring the 20-year-old Netherlands Under-? midfielder’s situation, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish newspaper AS reported that all three La Liga clubs are following Smit closely as interest in his future continues to grow. Real Madrid are understood to be the most serious of the three clubs in their pursuit of the young midfielder during the current transfer window.

AZ Alkmaar have placed a valuation of about €60m on Smit. That figure is considered negotiable and comes at a time when the transfer market is seeing increasingly high fees for young midfielders.

Real Madrid are looking to add another player to their midfield and hold Smit in particularly high regard. Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid also see the Dutchman as a potential long-term investment who could be developed into an important player over the medium and long term.

Smit’s performances for AZ Alkmaar have helped attract attention from some of Europe’s leading clubs. His technical ability, creativity and capacity to control the tempo of matches have made him an increasingly appealing target for the major sides following his progress.

The midfielder’s representation could also influence the next stage of the negotiations. Smit’s affairs are managed by Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes, one of the most prominent figures in world football, who has strong links with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid.

Those relationships may have a significant bearing on where the player goes next, although Real Madrid are currently regarded as the club best placed to complete a deal.

The presence of Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid means the move could develop into another contest between three of Spain’s biggest clubs for one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders. However, Real Madrid’s need to strengthen in the centre of the pitch and their strong opinion of Smit have put them ahead at this stage.

Smit has emerged as one of the continent’s leading prospects in midfield during his time with AZ Alkmaar. His ability to influence the rhythm of games and contribute to the construction of attacks has helped establish him as a target beyond the Netherlands.

The €60m valuation set by AZ Alkmaar is viewed as potentially negotiable when compared with the sums being demanded elsewhere in the summer transfer market, particularly for young players in midfield. Any agreement would therefore depend on the terms reached between the Dutch club and the interested Spanish sides.

For now, Real Madrid appear to have the strongest position in the pursuit, but Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid remain involved. The competition between the three clubs could become one of the notable transfer battles of the current window if Smit’s future moves closer to a decision.