Discover why Dutch wonderkid Kees Smit is on the radar of Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United. From AZ Alkmaar’s academy to dominating the UEFA U19 Euros, this 19-year-old is the complete modern midfielder.
Who Is Kees Smit?
Kees Smit, born in January 2006 in Heiloo, Netherlands, is one of the most exciting young midfielders in European football. At just 19 years old, the AZ Alkmaar academy graduate is already making headlines across Europe for his technical brilliance, vision, and tactical intelligence.
Smit joined AZ’s youth setup at the age of nine, and after nearly a decade of development in one of the best academies in the Netherlands, he signed a professional contract in 2021. Since then, his rise has been nothing short of meteoric
Kees Smit – Style of Play: The “Better Version of De Jong”?
Often compared to Frenkie de Jong and Luka Modrić, Smit is a modern central midfielder who combines elegant dribbling, progressive passing, and relentless work rate. Standing approximately 1.85m tall, he brings a rare combination of technique and physicality.
His standout features include:
- Elite ball control under pressure
- Exceptional vision and passing range
- Tactical awareness beyond his years
- Ability to break the press and drive forward
- Contributions on both ends of the pitch
It’s no surprise that scouts have labeled him a “better version of De Jong” due to his vertical style and creative dominance.
Kees Smit: Career Milestones
AZ Alkmaar Journey
- Joined AZ youth academy in 2015
- Signed professional terms in January 2021
- Debuted for Jong AZ (Eerste Divisie) in January 2023
- Already made 46 appearances and scored 10 goals for the reserves
- Promoted to AZ’s first team in March 2024
- Registered 21 Eredivisie appearances, including a goal and assist in a key Europa League clash against Fenerbahçe
“Kees Smit is still a raw diamond, but one with great potential,” said Lux. “Last season, he got more minutes in Alkmaar, but he is still no regular starter. The Fenerbahce match showed the potential he possesses, but fierce competition kept him from building on that performance and getting regular playing time. With the departure of Sven Mijnans, chances are that Smit will become a regular starter next season. His main strengths are his vision and ability to read the game. He is a great passer that can find space for teammates to exploit. He sees things that other players don’t. Personally, I think of him as a better version of Frenkie de Jong. The same level of vision and creativity, but Smit can also score goals, something that De Jong rarely does.”
UEFA Youth League & Viral Moments
Smit first gained international attention after a sensational goal against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League, where AZ Alkmaar went on to win the title in 2023. A few months later, his futsal-style solo goal while playing for Jong AZ went viral, showcasing his close control and flair.
International Success
Kees Smit has represented the Netherlands at U16, U17, U18, and U19 levels. His most impressive international achievement came in 2025, when he led the Dutch U19 team to European Championship glory.
UEFA U19 Euro 2025 Highlights:
- Top scorer (4 goals, joint)
- Player of the Tournament
- Included in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament
His dominant midfield displays helped the Netherlands lift the title for the first time in history.
Transfer Market Frenzy
There is significant interest in Kees Smit after his standout performances at the U19 Euros. Real Madrid have been strongly linked and have monitored Smit’s development for several years – the midfielder is also a Madrid supporter. Ajax and Bayern Munich are tracking the Alkmaar starlet and there’s growing interest from Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham. It is understood that Alkmaar want a fee in excess of €20 million to sell Smit this summer but Lux believes it’s a distinct possibility that he spends another season in the Eredivisie before his big move.
Real Madrid Leading the Race?
According to reports, Real Madrid have been tracking Smit since his Youth League breakout. A photo of the youngster wearing a Real Madrid shirt as a child recently went viral, fueling speculation that he might favor a move to the Spanish giants. With Xabi Alonso potentially taking over at Madrid, sources claim Smit is viewed as a long-term midfield option.
Asking Price
AZ Alkmaar reportedly values Smit at €20–25 million, and with the market heating up, bids may arrive sooner than expected.
Kees Smit Video Highlights
What’s Next?
While AZ is keen to keep him for another season, pressure is mounting as top clubs prepare summer offers. A move to a bigger league might be tempting, but staying in the Eredivisie for another year could help Smit refine his craft and gain more top-level experience before making the leap.
Lux added: “After the U19 Euros, there is a lot of interest in Smit. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and several Premier League clubs are keen but there is a big chance that he will stay in Alkmaar, though. That is the best chance to get some regular playing time. I hope he does, because he has so much talent, that I would hate to see him waste it in some PL clubs second team.”
Conclusion
Kees Smit is the real deal. With technical brilliance, international accolades, and elite clubs chasing his signature, the Dutch starlet is set for greatness. Whether he remains at AZ for another season or takes the next step to a footballing giant, the football world will be watching closely.
Stay tuned to our platform for the latest updates on Kees Smit’s transfer saga, match performances, and exclusive interviews.
