Real Madrid News
Eredivisie club hire super agent to manage Real Madrid target’s transfer – Romano
It is no secret that Real Madrid admire Kees Smit, the 19-year-old midfield talent who is expected to set the transfer market on fire next summer.
Several top European clubs are already lining up to sign the player in June, especially from the Premier League, where Newcastle United are particularly interested.
Real Madrid are also on the list of suitors and are seriously eyeing him as the missing piece in their puzzle.
Given that the 19-year-old’s current contract at AZ Alkmaar runs until June 2028, the deal is expected to be a pricey one with the rumoured tag set at €60 million.
Process underway
As confirmed in a recent report by Fabrizio Romano, Jorge Mendes is now in the thick of things and is working hard on coordinating the offers on the player’s table.
Telegraaf bring to light that the super agent has been assigned the negotiations of Smit’s transfer by AZ Alkmaar and will work in coordination with the player’s agency to get the best price for the club.
He is now actively involved in organising the situation and helping the player make the best decision for his career progression. Developments can be expected in the coming weeks.
The Italian journalist further adds that the transfer fee for Smit may well go above the previously speculated €60 million, given that he is one of the world’s highest-rated midfield talents.
Real Madrid and Premier League clubs, thus, are expected to ‘attack’ the player’s situation now that Mendes has actually begun the groundwork.
Despite some talk of a move in January, however, the move is only likely to progress next summer and Real Madrid will observe the team’s need for a new midfielder over the next six months to decide if the cash is worth splurging.
After all, Nico Paz is expected to arrive and reinforce the department in the summer.
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.
