Real Madrid's Bold Midfield Makeover: Five Targets Lined Up
5 January 2026
Midfield Reinforcements on Madrid's Radar
A Spanish newspaper reports that Real Madrid has five players on the table, shortlisted to bolster the team's midfield.
Madrid is seeking a midfielder who can mirror the influence of their former German star Toni Kroos.
According to AS, the five candidates were identified to be considered from next season.
The five players are Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Vitinha (Paris Saint‑Germain), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Adam Warton (Crystal Palace), and Kis Smit (AZ Alkmaar).
The situation is tricky for Mac Allister and Vitinha due to their importance for Liverpool and PSG.
As for Warton, he is under contract with the London club until 2029, giving his team leverage if a big fee is requested.
As for Enzo Fernández, Chelsea is not willing to sell at the moment, and if they sell, they will demand a hefty sum, especially after spending 106.8 million pounds to sign him.
AS notes that Madrid is watching Smit with Alkmaar, valued at around 52 million pounds, and his market value could rise.
Punchline 1: If they sign all five, Madrid will need a bigger locker room and maybe a bigger calendar — because talent without rest is just hustle with a salary cap.
Punchline 2: Real Madrid's midfield could become so crowded that Kroos might finally be promoted to head coach of the bench. Either way, the coffee breaks are about to get legendary.
