Real Madrid News
Two midfielders Real Madrid are tracking for the summer, including Manchester United target
Real Madrid’s long-term planning continues behind the scenes, and new names are now emerging on the club’s radar.
Journalist Guillermo Rai has confirmed through The Athletic, that the Spanish giants are closely monitoring Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Kees Smit, one of the most highly rated young talents at AZ Alkmaar.
At this stage, Real Madrid are surveying the market rather than acting decisively.
The club is exploring options in both defence and midfield, but sources insist that no final decisions have been made about signings in the coming months.
The interest in Wharton and Smit is not new. We have previously reported that both midfielders are among the profiles currently being discussed internally.
Their emergence comes at a time when Madrid are still adapting to life without two legendary figures in midfield.
Need for a midfielder
Since Toni Kroos retired in 2024, the club has lacked a natural controller capable of dictating tempo at the highest level.
That issue became even more visible following Luka Modric’s departure last summer. While the squad remains full of talent, there is a growing sense that a new type of playmaker is needed to guide the next era.
Still, voices inside Real Madrid are careful not to dwell on the past.
There is a strong belief that football is evolving and that replacing legends like Kroos and Modric is not about nostalgia, but about finding profiles suited to the modern game.
Not easy to pull off
In Smit’s case, Madrid face serious competition. Newcastle United have identified the Dutch youngster as their top midfield target, placing added pressure on Madrid’s long-term strategy.
The Premier League side’s interest could accelerate the situation and force Madrid to decide whether to act sooner than planned.
As for Wharton, who is also wanted by Manchester United, Crystal Palace appear resigned to the idea that his stay in south London may not last much longer.
The club is well aware of the growing interest around the midfielder and has set a clear benchmark for any potential deal.
Palace are said to expect offers above €65 million, with the final price possibly rising beyond €70 million.
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.
