Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar will reportedly demand a club-record sale fee of £22 million to part ways with 19-year-old Dutch midfield sensation Kees Smit.
According to a report by Sky Sports journalists Anthony Joseph and Keith Downie, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Newcastle United are interested in Kees Smit. The three high-profile clubs are keen on reinforcing their midfield units and have set their sights on the AZ Alkmaar wonderkid. However, the Eredivisie outfit will demand a record fee of £22 million to part ways with the 19-year-old midfield sensation.
Kees Smit and his soaring stock
Kees Smit is the latest promising midfielder to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Heiloo, the Dutchman has spent his formative years thus far in the Netherlands, starting his youth career at De Foresters before graduating from the youth division at AZ Alkmaar.
The 19-year-old has already made 50 appearances thus far for AZ Alkmaar while chipping in with four goals and six assists. Meanwhile, the Dutch midfielder’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Newcastle United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.
A man in demand
Barcelona will likely dip into the market for a midfielder next year, as recent reports have suggested that a homegrown midfielder may leave the Catalan club to fund new signings. Smit has thus emerged as a viable target for Barcelona, with a bid possible in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s interest in Kees Smit is understandable. The Merengues are eager to bolster their midfield unit by signing a versatile midfielder who can provide progression from the middle of the park. With Toni Kroos and Luka Modric leaving a gaping hole in the midfield department, Smit has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder amid uncertainties surrounding Joelinton’s long-term future. So, Smit is an option worth considering, with the 19-year-old Dutchman’s qualities making him an ideal foil for Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar will demand a club-record sale fee to part ways with the youngster.
The Cheese Farmers want over £22 million to part ways with Smit, and the valuation makes him an appealing target for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Newcastle United. AZ Alkmaar’s current record sale is £21.8 million when Tijjani Reijnders joined AC Milan. Meanwhile, with Smit keen on testing himself at a big club, a move to a high-profile outfit may be on the cards for the Dutch midfield sensation.