Real Madrid targets Kees Smit as midfield options narrow
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 10:00 AM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Real Madrid prepares to begin their season against Espanyol later today, facing uncertainty in midfield options. The club missed out on Rodri, who joined Barcelona, and has ruled out Martin Zubimendi due to Arsenal's valuation. With limited alternatives remaining, Feyenoord's Kees Smit, available for around €40 to €45 million, is seen as a plausible target. However, concerns exist regarding his fit in a defensive role, leaving Mourinho to start the season with existing midfield players.
- •Real Madrid kicks off the season against Espanyol today.
- •The club missed out on Rodri, who signed with Barcelona.
- •Martin Zubimendi is not a target due to valuation concerns.
- •Kees Smit emerges as a potential option for €40 to €45 million.
- •Mourinho will begin the season with current midfield options.
- 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Real Madrid’s only realistic midfield option this summer is a €45m Dutch talent – report
"Real Madrid are set to kickstart their season later this evening when they take on Espanyol, with fans excited about Jose Mourinho integrates the existing setup with the six new signings the club have...
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
EPL•Oct 24, 2026, 2:37 AMEverton at Arsenal: Predicted Line-Up | Moyes remains tight-lipped
EPL•Oct 23, 2026, 9:45 PMCould Brighton Become Arsenal’s Biggest Title Rivals This Season? – Opinion
EPL•Oct 23, 2026, 9:45 PMLiverpool are about to make a huge transfer mistake- EPL•Oct 23, 2026, 9:32 PMVilla could reconsider Garnacho deal - Saturday's gossip
EPL•Oct 23, 2026, 8:30 PMBournemouth has already closed the January door for Arsenal target
EPL•Oct 23, 2026, 2:57 PMSlegers gives update on Chloe Kelly and other Arsenal stars ahead of derby clash