Liverpool and Newcastle United are among with clubs linked with Netherlands youngster Kees Smit.
One of football’s most powerful agent is ‘in control’ of the situation of a Liverpool-linked midfielder’s future.
A transfer battle for the signature of Kees Smith is likely to ensue in the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old has been in eye-catching form for AZ Alkmaar this season. He has scored three goals and recorded five assists in 31 appearances for the Dutch outfit.
A departure from Alkmaar at the end of the season is likely and Smit will not be short of suitors. Liverpool are reportedly tracking the Netherlands under-21 international’s progress, as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal, Manchester United Newcastle United. Meanwhile, Spanish superpowers Real Madrid are in the mix.
And to take care of his future, Smit has employed Jorge Mendes - one of the most influential agents in the game. The Portuguese already looks after high-profile clients including Lamine Yamal, Vitinha and Bradley Barcola.
Speaking on YouTube, transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano said on Smith’s future: “Jorge Mendes is in control of the situation. There is Real Madrid interested and several Premier League top clubs so there is going to be a big battle in the Premier League and Spanish clubs.
“Let's see what happens because Kes Smit and AZ Alkmaar, it is going to be a huge summer, a huge battle. It's not going to be easy to sign him because 40-45 million euros is not going to be enough, it's going to be big money. For sure, it's going to be a big battle so get for Kees Smit because he's going to be a big part of conversations.”
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman recently compared Smit’s playing style to Barcelona midfielder Pedri. Koeman said: “I almost regret mentioning his name again [Pedri], but he’s a guy who plays in the same position.
“The way he turns away from his opponent, the way he scans the area, his two-footedness... I saw that in Pedri too. If he gets half his career, we’ll be very happy in the Netherlands.”
Although he is under contract until 2028, Smit has admitted that he would be open to leaving Alkmaar. “I think six months, or a year and a half. After that, I hope to have made a good move.” Asked whether he’s likely to move away from Holland, Smit replied: “Yes, I think so.”
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