2 months ago
38
€25m asking price
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Kees Smit was awarded the Most Valuable Player award as Netherlands won the recent U19 European Championships and several European giants are vying for his signature. The midfielder’s composure in possession and ability to dictate games stood out and he’s expected to receive his maiden call-up to the Dutch senior squad later this year. Smit netted four goals at the tournament as he demonstrated his goal scoring threat from midfield and AZ Alkmaar will field offers this summer.
Smit has been on the radar of major clubs since 2023 when he impressed as Alkmaar defeated Real Madrid and Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League - he scored from 50 yards out against Barcelona. The 19-year-old made his professional debut for Jong AZ in January 2023 but he progressed into a first-team regular for Alkmaar’s first-team last season, making 18 appearances in the Eredivisie. Smit is widely regarded as one of the best teenage talents in the Netherlands and we’ve provided expert insight into the midfielder.
Who is Kees Smit?
Smit joined Alkmaar’s academy aged just nine and he’s always played above his age group during his progression through to the first-team. His breakthrough moment at Alkmaar arrived last November when he scored a spectacular goal and assisted in his Europa League debut against Fenerbahce. Naturally given his age, Smith has aspects of his game to polish but his potential is undeniable. He possesses all the characteristics desired in a modern midfielder as he’s incredibly comfortable in possession, has great vision and can make an impact in the final third. Smith has been compared stylistically to Kevin de Bruyne - often due to physical appearance - and Kevin Lux, Transfermarkt’s Dutch football expert, has compared him to Frenkie de Jong.
"Kees Smit is still a raw diamond, but one with great potential," said Lux. "Last season, he got more minutes in Alkmaar, but he is still no regular starter. The Fenerbahce match showed the potential he possesses, but fierce competition kept him from building on that performance and getting regular playing time. With the departure of Sven Mijnans, chances are that Smit will become a regular starter next season. His main strengths are his vision and ability to read the game. He is a great passer that can find space for teammates to exploit. He sees things that other players don't. Personally, I think of him as a better version of Frenkie de Jong. The same level of vision and creativity, but Smit can also score goals, something that De Jong rarely does."
Who wants to sign Kees Smit?
There is significant interest in Kees Smit after his standout performances at the U19 Euros. Real Madrid have been strongly linked and have monitored Smit’s development for several years - the midfielder is also a Madrid supporter. Ajax and Bayern Munich are tracking the Alkmaar starlet and there’s growing interest from Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham. Transfermarkt understands that Alkmaar want a fee in excess of €20 million to sell Smit this summer but Lux believes it’s a distinct possibility that he spends another season in the Eredivisie before his big move.
Lux added: “After the U19 Euros, there is a lot of interest in Smit. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and several Premier League clubs are keen but there is a big chance that he will stay in Alkmaar, though. That is the best chance to get some regular playing time. I hope he does, because he has so much talent, that I would hate to see him waste it in some PL clubs second team.”
