Real Madrid News
Liverpool plot summer raid for Real Madrid key midfield target – report
Real Madrid have made the signing of a new central midfielder one of their priorities for the summer transfer window of 2026.
The midfield department has severely underperformed in the current campaign and the failure to replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, who moved on in the last two summer windows, has hurt the Merengues.
As such, Los Blancos realise the necessity of a new midfielder and have identified potential targets, with Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar leading the wishlist.
The 19-year-old Dutch prospect has been on Real Madrid’s radar since last summer and is being seen as a key target to strengthen the squad for next season.
Liverpool enter race for Kees Smit
However, according to reports relayed by AS, Liverpool have entered the race to sign Kees Smit and are preparing to move for the Dutchman in the summer.
The Premier League champions have endured a difficult first half of the season despite spending heavily last summer, when they signed players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz for huge sums.
Having failed to live up to expectations this season, the board is prepared to back manager Arne Slot once again in the next window, with Smit seen as a target to bolster their midfield department.
So, there could be a clash between Real Madrid and Liverpool for the Dutch midfield ace, while Barcelona, too, have shown an interest in the teenager.
Smit has a contract with AZ until the summer of 2028, but the Dutch outfit are slowly starting to accept that this season could be his last one with them.
But the Eredivisie club will not let Smit leave cheaply and will seek a fee of over €50 million for their prized asset, while they have also enlisted the help of superagent Jorge Mendes to facilitate the transfer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
