Manchester United are shopping for a new midfielder in 2026 and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell has a target in mind.
In the summer transfer window, Manchester United ultimately decided against a big-money move for Carlos Baleba.
With Casemiro’s contract expiring, Manuel Ugarte struggling for form and Kobbie Mainoo open to an exit, a midfield overhaul is inevitable in 2026.
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Kobbie Mainoo wants to leave United in January – latest
Ineos have done much of their shopping in the Premier League and that trend could continue with links to Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and Baleba.
But United also kept tabs on Kees Smit and it seems the 19-year-old is still on the transfer radar heading into January.
Netherlands U19s midfielder Kees Smit poses with his award.
Photo by Harry Murphy – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Christopher Vivell leads charge for Kees Smit
United in Focus were exclusively told by transfer expert Graeme Bailey that Smit was monitored by United over the summer.
Now, Caught Offside have offered some new details, including a claim that recruitment director Christopher Vivell has contacted the player.
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The report claims AZ Alkmaar are open to selling the 19-year-old star for a price of £25 million. The Dutch side could accept a deal this January for the midfielder to leave in the summer.
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It is Vivell who is leading discussions behind the scenes at United, and contact was made with the player to sound out a move.
Smit has been compared to Frenkie de Jong because of his breakthrough in the Eredivisie and his style of play in central midfield. United wanted to sign De Jong for years under Erik ten Hag but were never able to secure his signature.
Smit was named MVP as the Netherlands won the U19 European Championships in the summer, and he has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign.
Christopher Vivell’s transfer record at Man United
Before his appointment at United, Vivell’s transfer record was mightily impressive with names such as Erling Haaland and Dayot Upamecano on his portfolio.
Now at Old Trafford, his impact in the transfer department has been a positive one.
Vivell pushed to sign Benjamin Sesko over the summer after being impressed by the Slovenian during his time in the Red Bull group. Despite Sesko facing criticism, he already looks like a promising addition to Ruben Amorim’s side.
READ MORE: Christopher Vivell must work magic and bring ‘special’ 16-year-old talent to Man Utd, he’s generational
It was Vivell who led the Matheus Cunha negotiations in the summer before securing a £62.5 million deal for the Brazilian.
United’s transfer chief has also had a brilliant impact when it comes to scouting young stars. Vivell brought Sekou Kone to United, and the young Malian looks like a future superstar.