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News
- 55 minutes ago
Chelsea chase 'next Kevin De Bruyne' ahead of blockbuster 2026 transfer
Cameron Smith
- 26 Oct 2025 15:10 GMT
- 6 min read
News
Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit in 2026.
The Netherlands U21 international is regarded as one of the best young prospects in European football and he has been widely tipped to leave AZ Alkmaar next year amid significant transfer interest from a number of elite teams across the continent.
Current ETV
Kees Smit
M, DM, AM (C)
AZ
Kees Smit
M, DM, AM (C)
AZ
ETV Range
€5.5M - €7.4M
Smit, 19, has already racked up 46 first-team appearances for his boyhood club and he has consistently been compared to Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne since his emergence onto the senior scene.
The Dutchman won the Player of the Tournament award at this summer’s U19 European Championship and he has notched four goal contributions in 15 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign.
His form at first-team level has attracted the attention of multiple teams in Europe and AZ Alkmaar are expected to receive several official offers for his services next summer.
Real Madrid have been keeping close tabs on Smit for a number of months, amid their pursuit of a new central midfielder, and they are set to ramp up their bid to win his signature ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.
However, they will face significant competition in their attempt to bring the 19-year-old to the Spanish capital.
Kees Smit transfer interest
Smit is regularly being watched by clubs across world football, and TBR Football have revealed that Newcastle United scouts were in attendance to watch the Dutchman in action during AZ Alkmaar’s 2-0 victory over Ajax last weekend.
The Magpies are eager to bolster their midfield ranks next year and they have added Smit to their transfer wishlist ahead of 2026.
In addition to Newcastle, TBR Football have confirmed that Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, RB Leipzig and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring his development in the Eredivisie.
Chelsea are also understood to be interested in Smit as they continue to chase the best young talents in world football.
The Blues already boast a midfield unit that includes the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos and Dario Essugo, however they are closely watching Smit’s progress ahead of a possible bid.
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