Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfield target reveals why he didn’t leave this summer: ‘I had a conversation’
Real Madrid’s summer transfer window closed with one major midfield signing for the first team in Bernardo Silva, and one young talent who can eventually make it big at the club in the form of Sergio Martinez.
Despite bringing in two players, however, it was clear throughout the window that the club prioritised yet another big signing in midfield. Rodri was the dream target, but several other names also appeared on their radar as alternatives.
One among those many names was AZ Alkmaar’s young midfield talent Kees Smit who was seen as a candidate to immediately upgrade the first-team in the middle of the park.
Despite having several top clubs in his pursuit all summer, however, Smit eventually ended up staying at the Dutch club in what came as a rather surprising development.
Smit speaks out
The Real Madrid target spoke to AZ Alkmaar’s official media earlier this week where he detailed the reason he did not leave the club.
Smit explained that he did indeed plan on leaving the Dutch side this summer initially and revealed the factor that changed his decision.
“To be honest, at first I had the feeling that I was going to leave, but then it turned out that the coach really wanted me to stay,” he said, as quoted by AS .
He then explained how he is happy at the club and has no regrets about missing out on a big-money move.
“I feel good here, surrounded by friends and family. That’s why I stayed.”
Smit also went into the details of the conversation he had with the AZ Alkmaar administration and then hinted that the club refused to let him leave from their side.
“Ten days ago I had a conversation and then AZ didn’t want to let me go anymore.”
“I took it positively, because I feel like I’m not done here yet,” he added on how he handled the development.
Finally, the young midfielder was asked how he dealt with all that was said in the media regarding his future, to which he said,
“At first I read a lot, but then I started to do it less. Because some things are not true either. I can cope with it quite well. In short, I’m here and I’m happy to be here.”
Real Madrid News
Mourinho’s two options to start as Valverde’s midfield partners for Real Madrid vs Inter Milan
Real Madrid’s defeat against Real Betis will undoubtedly affect the internal dressing room atmosphere at the club, for it not only marked their first defeat of the season but also their first loss after Jose Mourinho’s return.
There is, however, not much time to lose as Los Blancos have another tricky game coming at them hard and fast.
Midweek, they play host to Inter Milan in the opening matchday of the UEFA Champions League, pitting them against one of the strongest teams in the world.
The break in momentum is undoubtedly a worry for Mourinho ahead of the clash, but there is a bigger crisis he faces in midfield which can directly influence the result of the game.
Two unlikely candidates to start
Heading into the game against the Serie A giants, Federico Valverde is the only guaranteed starter in the double pivot for Real Madrid.
Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler are all out through suspension while Aurelien Tchouameni is out injured and will not feature.
The situation calls for a creative solution, and Defensa Central confirm that Jose Mourinho does have surprises up his sleeve.
Two unlikely candidates are currently in a battle to start alongside Valverde – Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jorge Cestero.
As matters stand, those at the club believe they are the two best players to fill into the defensive midfield role on the night. They will, however, continue to monitor training before reaching a final decision.
Other options on the horizon
The Spanish outlet further confirms that the coaching staff are keeping an open mind in terms of handling the situation and will monitor other possible options this week in training.
Brahim Diaz, and even Jude Bellingham could emerge as an option to start for Real Madrid against Inter Milan, and the manager must pick the right candidate given the level of the opposition.
New Real Madrid Castilla signing Sergio Martinez is also an option to feature and fill the pivot void on the night.
He has already made his debut with the subsidiary team and is an option for Mourinho, although a relatively less-likely one.
