Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing one of Europe's most highly-admired midfielders who has been compared to Barcelona star Pedri. The La Liga giants want a new creative outlet in the middle of the park amid a lack of a Toni Kroos-like profile.
Kroos' retirement two years ago is still proving an issue given how important and influental the German was. Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham don't have the technical ability that the Madrid icon possessed.
When it comes to playmaking Kroos could be likened to Pedri who is arguably one of the finest midfielders in world football. As much as Florentino Perez is reportedly a fan of the Barca star there is little to no chance of him bringing the Spaniard to the Estadio Bernabeu.
Fabrizio Romano reveals Real Madrid target's price
Madrid have been on the lookout for a new ball-playing midfielder and that search has led them to AZ Alkmaar teenager Kees Smit. The sky is the limit for the Dutch youngster who seems all but certain to leave the Eredivisie club this summer.
There is interest from the Spanish capital club but other European giants are also keen. That includes Premier League duo Liverpool and Arsenal which makes a potential deal for the 19-year-old a difficult operation.
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Smit could now cost upwards of €50 million after previous reports suggested he'd be in the €30-35 million ballpark. That will irritate the Madrid board given there is some risk in pursuing a 19-year-old who has yet to truly establish himself as a proven talent.
Smit has appeared 31 times across competitions this season, posting three goals and five assists. He can play in central, attacking and defensive midfield, and this versatility is enticing Los Blancos, who need to freshen up in the middle of the park.
Ronald Koeman's Smit and Pedri comparison
Smit has yet to make his debut for the Netherlands' senior team ahead of this summer's World Cup. He has earned four caps for the U21s but might be playing his way into Ronald Koeman's squad for the tournament in North America.
Koeman is a fan of the youngster and he gave a glowing verdict of him back in November. The Dutch national team's manager compared him to Barca's Pedri whom he managed at Camp Nou (via talkSPORT):
"I have to be careful with what I say, but I coached Pedri at Barcelona and I see things from him in Kees Smit. The turns, the use of both feet, the vision of the game, that’s what I saw in Pedri back then."
Pedri's enormous talent has been on display throughout his time in La Liga and in El Clasico. Koeman added:
“What he is showing at such a young age is impressive. If he achieves half of what Pedri has achieved in his career, everyone in Holland will be happy."
Madrid could do with finding their own Pedri who can light up the Bernabeu with their silky skillset and grace on the ball. Smit could be the ideal choice although he's not the only midfielder on the club's radar.