Manchester United have already opened transfer talks over a possible move for AZ star Kees Smit but face competition from Chelsea and Liverpool.
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The 19-year-old has been branded ‘the new Pedri’ by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman, having impressed immensely in the Eredivisie, where he has scored two and created two more for the Alkmaar outfit this season.
Man Utd are trying to steal a march on their Premier League rivals to sign Smit, with the Daily Briefing claiming that the Old Trafford club have opened transfer talks with the player.
“Christopher Vivell has been internally discussing Smit for some time now, and he’s also contacted the player to sound him out about a move,” an anonymous but ‘trustworthy’ source claims.
The report adds that only Man Utd have gone so far as to make contact with the player.
Liverpool target Kees Smit mega transfer
Liverpool are heavily linked with Smit. Head coach Arne Slot, who worked with the teenager in AZ’s youth system, is said to be ready to make a “mega transfer” for the versatile midfielder.
AZ will demand that their transfer record is broken in order for a sale to go through. This means that a bid of over €25 million will be required – the sum AC Milan paid for Tijjani Reijnders.
Smit’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is only €10.8m, but has exploded this season, leaping up from €2.5m in May.
“Everyone at AZ is aware that Smit is likely to attract offers, and they’re open now to letting him go for the right price next summer,” the source says. “£25m [€28.5m] is the figure I’m hearing. I wouldn’t be surprised if a deal ends up initially being agreed in January to then go through in the summer.”
Pedri comparisons
Hopes for Smit to become one of the world’s best midfielders are high in the Netherlands, with Koeman not holding back as he compared the youngster to Barcelona star Pedri.
“He has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and move the ball forward. That is something we value. The resemblance people see (with Pedri) is in how he positions himself and his decision-making under pressure,” Koeman told the media this week.
“Big clubs follow players with these characteristics. That is normal. What is important is that he continues developing where he is, playing regularly.”
Dutch transfer expert Lars Leeftink believes that AZ will be hard pushed to say no to a deal, although he questions whether a jump to Manchester United or Liverpool is the best decision for a player who is still developing.
"Smit is one of the most talented players in Dutch football, and it will be a challenge for AZ to keep him during the winter transfer window,” Leeftink said.
“Last summer, Smit himself indicated that he would only consider a transfer in the summer of 2026, but with Liverpool and other top European clubs lining up for the creative midfielder, that plan may well change.
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