Chelsea have joined the race for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, who is being actively tracked by Real Madrid and Manchester United, a new report says. The 19-year-old is unlikely to leave the Netherlands in January, as all three sides are looking to seal a summer move.
The 19-year-old Smit is among the most exciting talents in the Eredivisie, and sixth-placed AZ Alkmaar knows he is vital for the remainder of their season. Some reports also pointed out that the club is not financially strained, meaning their prodigy does not have to be sold on a war footing. Chelsea officially got in touch with the player's camp recently, amidst claims from some pundits that the Dutchman needs another season, if not a few more, on home soil before stepping up to more competitive European leagues like the Premier League or La Liga. Earlier, Newcastle United, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund were listed among the teams to have reportedly shown interest in him.
READ HERE | Who is Kees Smit, Holland's midfield wonderkid
Ruben Amorim's Manchester United have also been after Smit for some time now, but Real Madrid are clearly ahead of them as things stand, multiple reports have said. It was his availability that convinced the Spanish giants to abandon tracking Angelo Stiller and Adam Wharton, an earlier report suggested.
ALSO READ:
- Who is Lassine Sinayoko? Manchester United's low-key striker target to replace Joshua Zirkzee in summer?
- What is pubalgia or sports hernia, the recurring muscle injury that troubles Franco Mastantuono and Lamine Yamal alike
- Why did Manchester United back out from Antoine Semenyo transfer race? City won the signing bid because...
He is calm when in possession, balanced under pressure, and has the ability to control tempo — making him an ideal candidate for Xabi Alonso's project. He can dribble well, has the stamina to press non-stop and make recovery sprints, and possesses a good long-range shot.
How much will Kees Smit cost?
AZ Alkmaar will demand around €60 million for their prized young player if they are to agree on a deal, reports had earlier suggested. If the bidders get lucky, he will be available for around €50 million, another report said. Although he was handed a senior debut at 17, it was the role he played in the 2025 Under-19 European Championships that led to his breakthrough season at club level. He managed four goals and an assist for the Oranje in the tournament and was named the Player of the Tournament.
Described as a “total footballer” by the Dutch media, Kees Smit is often referred to as the next Bruno Fernandes or James Maddison by the media back home.