Kees Smit is currently one of the hottest properties in European football, playing for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie.
The ball-playing central midfielder has attracted interest from European giants Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Smit has earned comparisons to Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong and Barcelona’s Pedri for his unique ability on the ball.
As the January transfer window draws to a close, will Smit move on from AZ now, or will it happen in the summer?
A new Dutch sensation
Smit has risen to prominence in the Eredivisie this season, playing 18 league games and scoring and assisting twice.
He averages nearly two progressive ball carries per 90 minutes and maintains a passing accuracy of nearly 90%.
The Dutchman is strong, fast, and has the passing range to break up play and dictate a game.
He rose to prominence at the 2025 U19 European Championships, where he helped the Netherlands secure the title.
He didn’t just win the trophy; he was named Player of the Tournament and the joint top scorer.
While playing for AZ U19’s, he was part of the team that beat Barcelona and Real Madrid in the UEFA Youth League.
His long-range goal against Barcelona went viral, scoring from the centre circle in the Round of 16 of the tournament.
He made his UEFA Europa League debut for AZ against Fenerbahce in November 2024, scoring and assisting in the 3-1 win.
He also played in the KNVB Cup final against Go Ahead Eagles, which they lost on penalties.
Liverpool interest
It’s understood that Liverpool has opened talks with AZ over acquiring Smit’s service, with Arne Slot a long-term admirer.
However, it looks increasingly unlikely that it will be done in January.
The Premier League has a whole host of targets this window.
Read More: What sources from Germany are saying about Liverpool signing Dayot Upamecano
Smit has the physical attributes to deal with the Premier League and could play as a number eight in Slot’s tactics.
The Dutchman has the passing, ball-carrying ability, and shooting expertise to play as a link between Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz.
Smit’s addition would free Wirtz to play much higher up the pitch, giving him the creative license to flourish and prove his price tag.
The Real Madrid factor
Despite their recent European and domestic wobbles, the lure of Real Madrid is too hard to ignore.
The La Liga side are also long-term admirers of Smit.
They believe he is a young star who could stake his claim in midfield for years to come.
The bright lights of Madrid can either make or break a young player, with England international Jude Bellingham flourishing under the spotlight.
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Real Madrid haven’t got their immediate attention on Smit as they look to line up a bid to sign him in the summer.
Fabrizio Romano drops Kees Smit update
Football insider Fabrizio Romano admitted, “Then many questions, Kees Smit and Liverpool. Guys, there are all the big clubs in England on Kees Smit and also in Spain, including Real Madrid and not only them.
“So it’s going to be a big battle for Kees Smit, but not for this window. The deal is expected to happen in the summer.
“If something changes guys, I will be here to tell you. But my expectation is not for any changes in this window for Kees Smit, he is a story for the summer, and it’s going to be huge with Jorge Mendes as the agent controlling that.”
Who should he choose? Los Blancos or Liverpool?
