Manchester United and Newcastle lead Premier League pursuit of AZ Alkmaar's 20-year-old midfielder dubbed the 'next Kevin De Bruyne' despite just 42 career appearances
Kees Smit has played 42 professional matches. That's fewer than Marcus Rashford managed in his breakthrough season alone. Yet seven of Europe's biggest clubs are reportedly prepared to pay up to €50 million for the AZ Alkmaar midfielder, with Manchester United, Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid all circling.
The 20-year-old Dutch playmaker has become the latest Eredivisie talent to attract a feeding frenzy based on potential rather than proven performance. Sources close to the agents industry have confirmed widespread interest, with valuations between €45-50 million already being discussed for a player who was in AZ's youth team this time last year.
The Dutch league has produced genuine Premier League stars. Luis Suárez cost Liverpool £22.8 million from Ajax. Virgil van Dijk arrived at Southampton for £13 million from Celtic via Groningen. Both proved bargains. But for every success story, there's a cautionary tale.
Donny van de Beek arrived at Manchester United for £35 million with 175 Ajax appearances and Champions League pedigree. He's made 62 appearances in four seasons. Steven Bergwijn cost Tottenham £27 million after 119 PSV games. He managed 83 appearances in three years before returning to Ajax at a loss.
The pattern is clear. Eredivisie attackers and midfielders often struggle with the Premier League's pace and physicality. The space they exploit in Dutch football vanishes against organised Premier League defences.
In those 42 appearances across all competitions this season, Smit has shown flashes of quality. His passing range catches the eye. His ability to find pockets of space mirrors what made Frenkie de Jong so coveted at Ajax. But €50 million for potential alone represents a significant gamble in the post-Bellingham market.
The 'next Kevin De Bruyne' label does Smit no favours. De Bruyne's journey from Genk to Chelsea, then Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg before Manchester City, included 142 Bundesliga appearances and consistent production at every level.
Smit operates primarily as an attacking midfielder with notable technical intelligence. His standout qualities include vision, passing range and spatial awareness. Scouts particularly note his ability to deliver precise forward passes and create scoring opportunities in the final third.
His ability to deliver precise forward passes and create scoring opportunities has been a standout feature of his performances for AZ Alkmaar.
The comparison to De Bruyne stems specifically from his knack for unlocking defences with well-timed through balls and confidence in advanced positions. But De Bruyne at 20 had already played 113 professional matches. Context matters.
What distinguishes Smit from other Eredivisie prospects is his composure on the ball and ability to dictate attacking play. He's shown creativity beyond his years, but translating that to the Premier League's intensity remains the crucial unknown.
Chelsea reportedly view him as a project requiring further refinement before reaching peak level. That's a more realistic assessment than the De Bruyne comparisons suggest.
Manchester United's interest forms part of their broader midfield restructuring plans. With question marks over several current options and a new tactical direction under consideration, Smit represents the type of technical, creative midfielder their scouting department has been monitoring across Europe.
Newcastle United have reportedly tracked Smit for an extended period. Their recruitment strategy under Saudi ownership has balanced established stars with high-potential youth. At €50 million, Smit would represent their continued commitment to building for sustained success rather than quick fixes.
The Magpies' patient approach to squad building and proven ability to develop players makes them an attractive destination for young talents. Their Champions League participation also offers the platform Smit currently lacks.
Arsenal's emphasis on technical midfielders aligns with Smit's profile. Liverpool's continued evolution under their new tactical direction makes them logical suitors. Both clubs have successfully integrated young talents recently, though neither desperately needs midfield reinforcements.
The Spanish giants present different challenges. Barcelona and Real Madrid have taken note, but their recent Eredivisie raids have yielded mixed results. De Jong succeeded at Barcelona; Sergiño Dest didn't.
The summer window will test whether Eredivisie inflation has reached breaking point. At €50 million, Smit would become one of the most expensive Dutch league exports ever, despite minimal senior experience.
His development trajectory over the remaining months becomes crucial. Strong performances might justify the valuation. But history suggests caution. The Premier League graveyard is littered with technically gifted Eredivisie midfielders who couldn't adapt.
For Smit, the choice of club could prove more important than the fee. A patient environment with gradual integration offers better odds than immediate pressure at a crisis club. The 'next De Bruyne' tag already sets unrealistic expectations. The next Kees Smit might prove interesting enough.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute betting advice.
Seven European giants including Manchester United are reportedly willing to pay up to €50 million for the AZ Alkmaar midfielder. Valuations between €45-50 million are being discussed.
Kees Smit has played just 42 professional matches for AZ Alkmaar across all competitions. He was in AZ's youth team this time last year.
Manchester United, Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all reportedly interested in signing the 20-year-old Dutch playmaker.
Kees Smit operates primarily as an attacking midfielder. He's known for his vision, passing range, spatial awareness and ability to create scoring opportunities in the final third.
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