Real Madrid put 19-year-old’s transfer move on hold after Ceballos development | OneFootball

According to an update from Defensa Central, Real Madrid have decided to pause their interest in AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit following Dani Ceballos’s failed move to Marseille.

For months, Madrid scouts have been closely monitoring Smit, who at 19 is considered one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Eredivisie.

The Dutchman has already attracted interest from several major European clubs, but he remains committed to continuing his development at AZ Alkmaar.

Initially, some within Real Madrid viewed Smit as a potential replacement for Ceballos, who came close to completing a transfer to Olympique Marseille earlier in the summer.

However, with the Spanish midfielder ultimately deciding to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos see no immediate need to bring in another central midfielder.

As a result, the club has shelved the idea of making a move for Smit this summer.

Real Madrid will keep monitoring

Real Madrid will not proceed with Kees Smit’s transfer this summer. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

Although the transfer is off the table for now, Real Madrid are not cutting ties with Smit. The club will continue to keep a close eye on his progress in the Netherlands.

What makes this situation even more favourable for Madrid is that Smit himself has expressed a lifelong admiration for the Spanish giants and dreams of wearing the famous white shirt one day.

Even so, Real Madrid are taking a cautious approach. The club’s strategy is to track Smit’s development over the coming months while keeping in mind the wealth of midfield talent already at their disposal.

With established names like Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Aurelien Tchouameni, Madrid are in no rush to add another prospect.

For now, Smit remains a name on the radar rather than a priority. If he continues to shine in the Eredivisie, the door to the Santiago Bernabéu may open in the near future.