Kees Smit: Dutch Starlet on Real Madrid & Barça Radar

Kees Smit capped a golden summer by winning the European Under-19 Championship with the Netherlands, and his sensational form has now sparked a tug-of-war between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The 17-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder is being monitored by both Spanish giants, keen to secure one of Europe’s brightest prospects before his value soars.

Kees Smit’s meteoric rise from Alkmaar academy to Oranje hero

Born in the football-mad city of Alkmaar, Kees Smit joined AZ’s youth setup at the age of eight. Coaches remember a diminutive playmaker who compensated for his size with vision, two-footed passing and remarkable composure. Unlike many Dutch starlets who move abroad early, Smit stayed put, believing regular Eredivisie minutes would accelerate his growth. That patience was rewarded last season when AZ handed him a first-team debut at just 16. He ended the domestic campaign with three assists in eight appearances, then captained the Netherlands Under-19 side to continental glory in Malta, scoring twice and creating five more goals in six matches.

Why Real Madrid & Barcelona are fighting for Kees Smit

Los Blancos have made a habit of swooping for emerging talents—think Endrick, Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga—before they become unaffordable. Club scouts were present at every Dutch game in Malta, filing glowing reports about Smit’s line-breaking passes and relentless pressing. Barcelona, meanwhile, view him as a natural heir to Pedri and Gavi, players who blend academy technique with modern intensity. With La Masia still recovering financially, sporting director Deco sees the versatile Dutchman as a cost-effective addition who can slot into Xavi’s 4-3-3 or 3-2-2-3 shape.

AZ Alkmaar’s stance: “Not for sale—unless the project is right”

AZ chief Max Huiberts insists the club has no need to cash in immediately. “We want Kees Smit to continue his development here for at least another season,” he told Voetbal International. “Only an offer that benefits the player’s sporting future will make us talk.” Translated, that means any bid must top €25 million and include performance bonuses, plus a loan-back option so Smit can enjoy guaranteed minutes in the Eredivisie. That figure would still be a bargain if the teenager reaches the heights his current trajectory suggests.

Tactical fit at the Bernabéu and Camp Nou

Under Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid’s midfield is evolving toward youthful energy. Kees Smit could become the next link between the evergreen Toni Kroos and the explosive Fede Valverde, offering line-splitting progression against low blocks. At Barcelona, Xavi favours interiors who can receive under pressure and recycle the ball quickly. Smit’s first-touch passing and spatial awareness echo the DNA of La Masia, making him a seamless addition to the Blaugrana’s positional play.

Comparisons and statistical profile

Data platform SciSports ranks Kees Smit among the top five European U-19 midfielders for progressive passes per 90 (9.3) and carries into the final third (2.8). His defensive contribution—4.2 interceptions per match—mirrors compatriot Frenkie de Jong at the same age. Scouts liken his style to Andrés Iniesta with a dash of Clarence Seedorf’s box-to-box stamina.

How the transfer chase could unfold

Both Spanish clubs are expected to open formal talks in January. Real Madrid may leverage their relationship with AZ, cultivated during the acquisition of Fernando Redondo’s data-driven successor in 2021, while Barcelona could tempt the player with a faster path to regular minutes given their current injury crisis. Premier League sides Liverpool and Arsenal have also requested scouting dossiers, but insiders believe Smit’s preference is Spain, where technical midfielders traditionally flourish.

Financial considerations and potential obstacles

Madrid’s pursuit depends on freeing non-EU slots, currently occupied by Vinícius, Rodrygo and Endrick. Barcelona, still constrained by LaLiga’s salary cap, might need to offload fringe players like Sergiño Dest or Clément Lenglet to register Smit. AZ, meanwhile, aim to include a hefty sell-on clause, reflecting their reputation as a talent factory.

What next for Kees Smit?

The youngster is expected to start AZ’s Europa Conference League group opener next week, with scouts from across Europe in attendance. Coach Pascal Jansen plans to use Smit as a roaming No. 8, allowing him to showcase the versatility that has Europe’s elite circling. Should he maintain his form, a record-breaking Dutch teen transfer could materialise before next summer’s European Championship.

Player’s perspective: calm amid the whirlwind

Speaking to NOS, Kees Smit remained grounded: “It’s flattering to hear those names, but I’m focused on AZ. My dream is to play at the highest level, and if I keep working hard, the right move will come.” That maturity, combined with his on-field intelligence, strengthens the belief he can handle the pressure of the Bernabéu or Camp Nou.

Opinion: A gamble worth taking

At 17, Kees Smit has already demonstrated a blend of creativity, resilience and tactical intelligence rare for his age. While raw, his ceiling appears higher than many peers who fetched far greater fees. Given AZ’s pragmatic stance, any club securing his signature now could lock down a future midfield leader for a fraction of tomorrow’s market price. For Madrid and Barça, bruised by expensive misfires in recent seasons, this is the kind of calculated risk that could pay off handsomely.