The football world is buzzing with excitement over Kees Smit, the 19-year-old Dutch sensation from AZ Alkmaar, who has caught the attention of top European clubs like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. With his remarkable performances at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship and consistent displays in the Eredivisie, Smit is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young talents in football. In this article, we dive into the latest transfer rumors surrounding Smit, his standout stats from recent matches, and what a potential move to Barcelona could mean for his career.
Who Is Kees Smit?
Kees Smit, born on January 20, 2006, in Heiloo, Netherlands, is a versatile midfielder currently playing for AZ Alkmaar. Known for his technical brilliance, vision, and goal-scoring ability, Smit has been a standout performer in both domestic and international competitions. He joined AZ’s youth academy at the age of nine and made his professional debut for Jong AZ in January 2023. Since then, he has progressed rapidly, earning a spot in AZ’s first team and shining on the European stage.
Smit’s performances at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Romania were nothing short of spectacular. He was named Player of the Tournament and joint top scorer, netting four goals in the competition. His ability to score in every match leading up to the final against Spain showcased his attacking prowess and composure under pressure.
Barcelona and Real Madrid in transfer Race
According to ESPN, Kees Smit’s agent has confirmed that several top clubs, including FC Barcelona, are closely monitoring the young midfielder. His performances at the youth European Championship, combined with his contributions in AZ’s UEFA Youth League triumph over Real Madrid two years ago, have put him on the radar of Europe’s elite. Real Madrid, in particular, has shown strong interest, with Spanish outlet Marca reporting that the club sees Smit as a long-term investment.
While Ajax was rumored to be interested, Voetbal International has clarified that the Amsterdam club has not pursued Smit, likely due to AZ’s steep asking price, which has reportedly risen from €15 million to €25 million. AZ’s strategy is clear: they aim to extend Smit’s contract, which runs until 2028, and eventually sell him directly to a foreign club, following the model of previous transfers like Vangelis Pavlidis and Tijjani Reijnders.
For Smit, a move to FC Barcelona seems to be a personal ambition. Reports from Tribuna.com suggest that the 19-year-old has set his sights on playing for the Catalan giants, despite interest from Bayern Munich and several Premier League clubs. Staying close to family and friends is a priority for Smit, but a dream move to Barcelona could be too tempting to resist.
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| Kees Smit with his Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament trophy |
Recent Match Stats
Smit’s performances on the pitch speak for themselves. Below are some key statistics from his recent matches, highlighting his impact for both AZ Alkmaar and the Netherlands U19 team:
- Netherlands U19 vs. England U19 (4-2, June 2025): Smit earned a Sofascore rating of 7.4, contributing to the Netherlands’ victory with his dynamic play in midfield.
- Netherlands U19 vs. Romania U19 (3-1, June 2025): Smit shone with an impressive 8.6 Sofascore rating, scoring a goal and showcasing his ability to influence the game both offensively and defensively.
- AZ Alkmaar vs. Fenerbahçe (3-1, UEFA Europa League, November 2024): Smit made his Europa League debut, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a standout performance. This match solidified his reputation as a rising star.
In the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, Smit scored in every match leading up to the final, amassing four goals and cementing his status as a joint top scorer. His versatility as a shadow striker, advanced playmaker, and box-to-box midfielder makes him a valuable asset for any top club.
Barça – A Perfect Fit?
Kees Smit’s versatile playing style suits FC Barcelona’s tiki-taka philosophy, which values technical midfielders. His ability to play as an attacking midfielder or deeper-lying playmaker echoes the versatility of Barcelona legends like Xavi and Iniesta. With La Masia’s track record of nurturing young talent and Barcelona’s need for midfield reinforcements, Smit’s youth and goal-scoring flair make him an ideal fit.
Kees Smit’s Next Move
Smit remains committed to AZ Alkmaar, where he’s a regular starter, and has hinted at staying to grow in the Eredivisie, saying, “My future lies with AZ.” However, with interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, a move to a top club seems likely. AZ’s high asking price reflects his potential, ensuring fans will enjoy his talents for now, whether in the Eredivisie or on the international stage.
In Summary
Kees Smit’s journey from AZ’s youth academy to attracting FC Barcelona and Real Madrid highlights his immense potential. His standout displays at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship and for AZ signal a bright future. Whether he stays with AZ or joins a European giant, Smit is a name to watch.
What are your thoughts on Smit’s potential Barcelona move? Comment below! - Crossbar News
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