AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has been heavily linked with a move away from the Netherlands in recent months.
Kees Smit is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and he is on the radar of multiple European heavyweights. Despite being only 20, he has played well over 2,000 minutes in the Eredivisie this season. He is already a key player for AZ Alkmaar. The Dutch midfield prospect has been heavily linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona, with Manchester United also keeping an eye on him.
Ronald Koeman believes that clubs in the Netherlands will not be able to provide him with the money needed to keep him, and therefore, he is likely to join a foreign club soon. The Dutch tactician has also backed him to succeed at the highest level, particularly at Barcelona. Koeman believe he could be a mix of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong.
It remains to be seen whether he is prepared to join Real Madrid or Barcelona in the summer. They are among the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with the platform he needs.
However, he needs regular opportunities to fulfil his potential, and he must seek assurance of game time before joining a new club. He has also been linked with Premier League giants Manchester United. However, there are rumours that he would prefer to move to La Liga.
“He’s a player for Barça. He can be a mix of Frenkie [De Jong] and Pedri. If you’re a mix of the two, you’re very good,” Koeman said via AS.
“It’s going to be a big team from outside the Netherlands, because nobody in the Netherlands can afford the money needed to keep him for another year. Koeman has previously claimed Smit was “one of the best young players we’ve ever had. He needs to learn more and play more games.”
Kees Smit Eredivisie 2025/25 stats
- Goals and assists: 6
- Pass accuracy: 88%
- Key passes per game: 1.4
- Big chances created: 6
- Long ball accuracy: 60%
- Balls recovered per game: 5.3
- Duels won per game: 4.1
- Tackles per game: 1.6
Kees Smit is one of the most talented young players to have come out of the Netherlands in recent years, and he has a big future. He could be a long-term asset for all three clubs. Real Madrid need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, especially after the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
The Merengues need a player who can add creativity and control in the middle of the park. The Netherlands International could be ideal for them. Similarly, Barcelona need more depth in their midfield unit, especially with Frenkie de Jong struggling with fitness issues in recent seasons. Their style of football could be an ideal fit for Smit.
On the other hand, Manchester United have struggled to control games in the middle of the park. They need someone who will add control and composure to the team. The 20-year-old has the technical attributes to succeed in English football, and he could be an asset to Manchester United in the long run.
