Kees Smit: Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid assess AZ Alkmaar star

Kees Smit is attracting growing interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid as the 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder moves closer to becoming one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market.

Smit has established himself as one of Europe’s leading emerging talents over the past three seasons, particularly after helping AZ Alkmaar win the UEFA Youth League in 2023. The Dutch side defeated Real Madrid in the quarter-finals on their way to the title, inflicting the only defeat on a team coached at the time by Alvaro Arbeloa.

Smit was one of the outstanding players in that tournament, alongside Poku, who now plays for Bayer Leverkusen. Their performances helped AZ Alkmaar complete a memorable campaign and placed Smit firmly on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, speculation over the midfielder’s future has continued since then, with the rumours intensifying from last summer onwards. Atletico Madrid made an attempt to sign him during the most recent January transfer window, but AZ Alkmaar’s administrators rejected the proposal.

That decision ended Atletico’s immediate hopes of signing a player regarded as a potential leading figure in European football. Smit’s progress has continued since he made a strong impression at Valdebebas, Real Madrid’s training complex.

His form also led to expectations that he could be included in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for the World Cup. However, the former Barcelona manager opted for more experienced players, with Jorrel Hato the exception. The other members of the 26-man squad were all aged over 24.

The decision was widely questioned in the Netherlands, where few understood why Smit had been left out of the final squad for the World Cup in the United States. The subsequent change in the national team’s management saw Xavi Hernandez take charge.

Smit is now considering his next move alongside his agent Jorge Mendes, while interest from Premier League clubs continues to increase. Despite the attention from England, the midfielder would prefer to move to La Liga.

He is comfortable using either foot and is particularly effective at breaking defensive lines with combinations of passes. Those qualities have made him an attractive option for several Spanish clubs, although each is approaching the situation differently.

Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are all monitoring developments. Barcelona are currently concentrating fully on securing the signing of Rodri, while Atletico have already completed a deal for Morten Hjulmand.

Hjulmand shares some characteristics with Smit, although his game is more defensively focused. Real Madrid, meanwhile, currently view their squad as complete and are waiting to see whether any players leave before making further additions.

Smit remains among the names being considered by Real Madrid, alongside other possible targets, but there have been no formal moves for the Dutchman at Valdebebas so far.

At Atletico, Jose Mourinho is looking for players capable of performing in a similar style to Bernardo Silva. Smit’s ability to operate across all midfield positions and move between roles has led to comparisons with the Portuguese playmaker.

A move this summer is not the only possibility. Smit is open to remaining with AZ Alkmaar for another season to continue his development and take on greater responsibility, provided an agreement can be reached over a transfer for the 2027-28 season.

That means his future remains unresolved, with all options still available. His valuation could be around 60m euros, although that figure is significantly below the 95m euros Liverpool could pay to sign Wharton from Crystal Palace.