Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar has emerged as one of the most sought-after young prospects in the transfer market heading into 2026.Just 19 years old, the youngster is attracting interest from some of the bi...
Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar has emerged as one of the most sought-after young prospects in the transfer market heading into 2026.
Just 19 years old, the youngster is attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including FC Barcelona.
Indeed, the La Liga champions are among the clubs closely monitoring the Dutch midfield prodigy, but competition for him continues to intensify.
Manchester United and other PL clubs enter race
Indeed, with Real Madrid already in the race, journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Manchester United are among several Premier League clubs showing interest in Smit.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle are all keen on the 19-year-old Dutch starlet, who won the U19 European Championships earlier this year.
German heavyweights Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the young midfield prodigy.
Kees Smit is being courted by several clubs. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
As things stand, it appears almost a foregone conclusion that Smit will leave AZ in the summer and secure a big move.
But the growing interest means that there could be a bidding war on the horizon, with the report suggesting that the Dutch outfit will seek a sum of at least €60 million (£52 million).
The fact that Smit has a contract with them until the summer of 2028 strengthens their position further.
If such a figure is reached, it would make it a record sale in the history of AZ, which currently stands at €20 million paid by AC Milan for Tijjani Reijnders in 2023.
As things stand, a new midfielder is not a priority for Barcelona, with a new centre-back and a striker their main objectives for the summer.
However, Smit is a special player whom the Blaugrana are tracking, although the growing interest and price tag might put them off.
Category: General Sports
