FC Barcelona launches €30m bid for sensational high-profile Dutch wonderkid in a bold move to inject dynamism into the squad.
Hansi Flick, desperate to inject dynamism into his title-chasing engine room, views this versatile gem as the perfect foil for Pedri and Gavi amid a grueling La Liga and Champions League schedule.
With two goals and five assists already this term, the target’s line-breaking dribbles and visionary passing scream Camp Nou fit—especially as Deco navigates FFP constraints with surgical precision.
That wonderkid is Kees Smit, AZ Alkmaar’s “Dutch Pedri,” who’s publicly declared himself available for exactly €30m within six months, eyeing a leap beyond the Netherlands, as reported by Fichajes.
Contracted until 2028, his release clause hovers at €30-40m, but Barcelona’s aggressive January approach—greenlit by Flick—aims to steal a march on Premier League suitors Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham, and even rivals Real Madrid.
Ronald Koeman’s glowing endorsement, likening Smit’s agility and game intelligence to his Barcelona protege, has only fueled the hype.
Smit’s breakout blends technical wizardry with physicality: ambidextrous, press-resistant, and lethal in transitions, he’d slot seamlessly into Flick’s high-octane system alongside Frenkie de Jong and Fermín López.
AZ’s famed academy pedigree—think De Jong, De Ligt—positions this as low-risk, high-reward, with scouts salivating over his 58 senior outings already.
Competition intensifies: Chelsea lead English interest after agent talks, while Slot’s Liverpool lurk post-AZ stint.
Yet Barcelona’s youth project allure, plus Flick’s track record developing talents like Musiala, gives them pole position.
Smit craves “the next step” at a top club for Oranje contention, dismissing Eredivisie comfort.
Financially astute at €30m—Smit’s own valuation—this shores up midfield depth without breaking the bank, eyeing 2026 dominance.
AZ, poised for record sale, faces a dilemma: cash in now or risk summer escalation.
Barcelona’s bid signals intent: generational renewal starts here.
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