Former Rio Ferdinand has called on Manchester United to act decisively in the transfer market and secure the signing of rising Dutch midfielder Kees Smit. The 19-year-old, currently impressing at AZ Alkmaar, has drawn attention across Europe for his composure, passing range, and tactical maturity.
Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand expressed admiration for Smit’s rapid development and insisted Manchester United cannot afford to miss out on another elite young midfielder. He emphasized that Smit’s profile fits the direction the club should be pursuing under its new football structure.
Ferdinand argued that United have been “too slow” in previous transfer windows when attempting to secure promising young talent, often losing out to more proactive clubs across the continent. He warned that Smit’s value and competition for his signature will only increase if United delay.
Smit, who has been a standout in AZ Alkmaar’s youth-focused setup, has already logged significant first-team minutes despite his age. Scouts have praised his ability to dictate rhythm from deep midfield, his press resistance, and his confidence in tight spaces—qualities United have struggled to consistently find in their current squad
Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: “Kees Smit is the truth man, I’m telling you. “He’s one you go: ‘I’m buying him.’
‘It doesn’t have to be for now. I hope he does come in and takes the world by storm, but if we’ve got to wait six months to a year for him, I do not care. We cannot let him go elsewhere.
“I’ve seen him play a couple of times now and that’s all I need to see. I’ve seen the clips… man. I’ve spoken to some guys in Holland, friends. The kid has got it.”
Is Kees Smit ready to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford?
Evaluating whether Smit is ready to step straight into the Premier League is more complex. Technically, he possesses many attributes Manchester United currently lack: calm build-up play, spatial awareness, and the ability to transition quickly from defence to attack. His intelligence in possession would complement United’s evolving midfield structure.
However, there are legitimate questions about whether he could handle the physicality and pace of the Premier League right away. The Eredivisie provides an excellent development environment, but the jump to a club of United’s pressure and expectations is significant.
Smit may require an adaptation period similar to other Dutch talents who gradually adjusted to the demands of English football.
In the long term, he appears an excellent fit. In the short term, expecting him to transform United’s midfield instantly may be unrealistic. That said, investing early in a player of his ceiling could prove a smart strategic move—one Ferdinand believes the club cannot afford to delay
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