{
  "id": 2549072,
  "title": "Real Madrid’s only realistic midfield option this summer is a €45m Dutch talent – report",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/real-madrids-only-realistic-midfield-option-this-summer-is-a-45m",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/real-madrid-only-realistic-midfield-100000123.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Real Madrid are set to begin their season with a new midfield, as they search for a suitable replacement following their failure to sign Rodri. According to a report by journalist Jose Miguel Villarroya, Martin Zubimendi remains off the table despite resurfacing as a potential solution, due to his high valuation by Arsenal. Real Madrid's interest in him is also reportedly not driven by Jose Mourinho, who has not personally pushed for the move. With few alternatives remaining, Feyenoord's Kees Smit has emerged as a more realistic option for the Spanish club. Smit, priced between €40 to €45 million, could be available for a fee that fits comfortably within Real Madrid's budget.",
  "summary": "Real Madrid are set to kickstart their season later this evening when they take on Espanyol, with fans excited about Jose Mourinho integrates the existing setup with the six new signings the club have...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Jose Mourinho’s ‘special assistant’ excited about new role: ‘Ready for everything’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/jose-mourinhos-special-assistant-excited-about-new-role-ready-for",
        "published": "2026-08-22T06:20:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "The ex-Blackburn winger facing Mourinho and Real Madrid",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/the-ex-blackburn-winger-facing-mourinho-and-real-madrid",
        "published": "2026-08-22T07:44:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}