Kees Smit Flattered by Real Madrid and Barça Pursuit

Kees Smit has become the latest Dutch wonderkid to light up the transfer rumour mill, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona monitoring the AZ Alkmaar midfielder after his title-winning exploits at the UEFA Under-19 Championship.

Kees Smit’s rapid rise from academy gem to Europe’s radar

Born in Alkmaar and groomed in AZ’s renowned youth academy, Kees Smit only turned 18 in January, yet his maturity on the ball has earned comparisons to Frenkie de Jong. He dictated games for the Netherlands U-19s this summer, leading the Oranje to their second continental crown in four years. Scouts from La Liga’s two super-powers were present throughout the tournament, compiling glowing reports on his vision, press resistance and set-piece delivery.

What makes the teenager so special?

Standing 1.78 m tall, Smit combines a low centre of gravity with a big-match temperament. He averages 88 percent pass accuracy, completes 2.4 dribbles per 90 minutes and recovers possession seven times a game in the Eredivisie’s youth league. AZ coaches praise his habit of demanding the ball in tight spaces before springing vertical passes that split midfields. Former Dutch international and academy mentor Ron Vlaar calls him “the metronome every attacking side needs”.

Real Madrid and Barcelona: similar interest, different plans

Historically, both giants poach emerging talent but with contrasting blueprints. Real Madrid’s “next-gen” strategy revolves around securing high-ceiling prospects early, loaning them out and integrating only the elite. Barcelona, by contrast, prefer players who can slot directly into their positional play. According to Spanish media, Real would consider an initial €10 million offer with performance-based add-ons, while Barça sporting director Deco views Smit as a long-term successor to Sergio Busquets and is willing to include favourable sell-on clauses to lure AZ into negotiations.

AZ Alkmaar stand firm—for now

AZ have built a reputation for maximising fees after losing Calvin Stengs, Teun Koopmeiners and Myron Boadu. Technical director Max Huiberts confirmed receiving “tentative inquiries” but insists the club have no need to sell. “Kees Smit is crucial to our first-team roadmap,” Huiberts said. “We have extended his contract until 2027 and plan to give him Europa Conference League minutes this autumn.” However, history suggests a nine-figure proposal could test their resolve.

Inside the player’s mindset: ambition without arrogance

Speaking to Voetbal International, Kees Smit acknowledged the burgeoning interest: “It is an honour to be linked with clubs of that size, but I have achieved nothing yet. My goal is to prove that the hype around me is justified by performance, not posters.” The midfielder added that he cherishes AZ’s trust and will not force a move: “If the right project arrives, we will discuss it. Until then my focus is on winning with Alkmaar.”

Stat-based comparison with La Liga peers

To illustrate his readiness, data analyst Dries Bos compared Smit’s metrics with Real Madrid’s Fede Valverde and Barcelona’s Gavi. Remarkably, Smit’s progressive passes per 90 (9.1) outstrip both Spaniards, while his defensive duels won (62 percent) mirrors Valverde’s. The caveat is sample size—he has only 1,200 senior minutes, compared to the pair’s thousands. Yet the numbers hint at a player on a steep upward curve.

The financial puzzle: fees, clauses and development pathways

Kees Smit has no release clause, giving AZ negotiating leverage. Real Madrid often front-load fees but include buyback rights; Barcelona increasingly insert performance escalators. Dutch tax law also plays a role: any sale before the player turns 20 grants AZ significant tax breaks, potentially making an early deal financially attractive. Meanwhile, the player’s agents favour a gradual progression—perhaps a move to Castilla or Barça Atlètic before first-team promotion—to guarantee minutes.

How could he fit at the Bernabéu?

Real have Camavinga, Tchouaméni and Bellingham locked in for the next decade. Smit would likely join the club’s “Factory of Talent” alongside Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz and Nico Paz. A year on loan at a La Liga sister club such as Girona or a Bundesliga partner like Bayer Leverkusen could accelerate his adaptation to top-five-league intensity.

And at Camp Nou?

Barcelona’s financial restrictions make cut-price prodigies a necessity. Under Xavi’s positional play, the Dutchman’s ability to receive on the half-turn and break lines could revive the club’s famed midfield triangles with Pedri and Gavi. However, game time is far from guaranteed; Oriol Romeu and Fermin Lopez are already competing for minutes.

Historical precedents: Dutch midfielders in Spain

From Johan Cruyff to Frenkie de Jong, Dutch midfielders have thrived in La Liga’s technical environment. Clarence Seedorf’s early switch to Real at 19 proved transformative, while Rafael van der Vaart struggled for consistency after leaving Ajax prematurely. These contrasting stories serve as cautionary tales for Kees Smit; timing and club culture matter as much as talent.

Potential impact on the Netherlands senior side

National coach Ronald Koeman has accelerated the promotion of youngsters such as Xavi Simons and Jeremie Frimpong. A high-profile move and regular minutes could fast-track Smit’s senior debut ahead of Euro 2024. Koeman’s 4-3-3 system demands a controlling No. 6 who can also surge forward—precisely the role the teenager excels in.

The clock is ticking toward January

The winter transfer window is 10 weeks away. AZ sit third in the Eredivisie, targeting Champions League qualification. If they remain in contention, selling in January becomes unlikely. Conversely, elimination from European competition might persuade board members to cash in on Kees Smit at peak value. Expect both Spanish clubs to keep tabs, dispatching representatives to every AZ fixture.

Expert view from scouting circles

UEFA-licensed scout Miguel Ángel Ruiz summarises the player’s profile: “Smit blends the best of Dutch positional schooling with modern athleticism. He presses like Pedri, passes like Kroos and has the calm of Xabi Alonso. If he polishes his long-range shooting, he can be world-class.” Such praise explains why other clubs—Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Milan—are discreetly in the frame.

What happens next?

AZ will attempt to extend Kees Smit’s deal with a salary bump and a gentleman’s agreement allowing a future exit. Real Madrid plan to invite his entourage to Valdebebas for a facilities tour, while Barcelona are preparing a dossier emphasising their track record with Dutch players. Ultimately, the teenager must weigh immediate stardom against steady development.

Opinion: a move is inevitable, but patience pays

From this writer’s perspective, staying another full season in Alkmaar would benefit both club and player. At 18, weekly Eredivisie starts, European nights and domestic cup pressure provide the perfect laboratory. Should Smit maintain his upward trajectory, the Spanish giants will still be queuing at AZ’s door—only with deeper pockets and clearer pathways.