Kees Smit Transfer: Real Madrid and Barcelona Battle

Spain's three major football clubs are monitoring one of Dutch football's brightest young prospects: Kees Smit, a 20-year-old midfielder at AZ Alkmaar, could become one of the transfer market's headline names with an estimated price tag of around $70 million.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid have all placed Smit on their radar. The midfielder is exploring his future options with super-agent Jorge Mendes representing him. While Premier League clubs have also expressed interest, Smit's preferred destination is Spain's La Liga.

The Dutch talent first gained widespread attention in 2023 when he starred for Alkmaar in their UEFA Youth League championship run. During that campaign, the Dutch side eliminated Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, handing manager Alvaro Arbeloa's team their only defeat of the tournament.

Smit and Ernest Poku, now playing for Bayer Leverkusen, were among Alkmaar's standout performers that season. Since then, Smit has become a regular fixture in the senior squad and continued attracting attention from Europe's elite clubs.

Atletico Madrid already attempted to sign him during the previous winter transfer window, but Alkmaar's management refused to approve the deal. Atletico has since acquired Morten Hjulmand, a player with similar characteristics but a more defensive profile.

Barcelona has shown interest in Smit, though the club is currently focusing its efforts on pursuing Rodri. Real Madrid views its current squad as complete unless departures occur, but the Dutchman's name remains on the club's monitoring list alongside other candidates.

Smit's primary strengths include his two-footed ability, versatility across multiple midfield positions, and capacity to break through opposition lines through combination play with teammates.

Despite the demand, Smit hasn't ruled out remaining at Alkmaar for another season. Another possibility being considered is continued development in the Netherlands while arranging a pre-agreed transfer for the 2027/28 season.

The midfielder's price tag could reach approximately $70 million—significantly lower than the roughly $111 million Liverpool may pay Crystal Palace for Adam Wharton. It remains to be seen which of the European giants will make the first move to bring Smit out of the Netherlands.