A Dutch wonderkid confirms €30m Barcelona transfer amid excitement over his impending arrival at the Catalan giants.
The 19-year-old Eredivisie star, currently shining at AZ Alkmaar, confirmed he envisions leaving the club within six months to a year and a half, explicitly targeting a move outside the Netherlands to elevate his career.
His outspoken comments in a recent interview signal confidence in commanding top value, potentially shattering AZ’s outgoing transfer record.
The prodigy is Kees Smit, a technically gifted central midfielder who has exploded onto the scene with 58 senior appearances for AZ, blending vision, passing, and goal threat.
Smit’s breakthrough came in 2025, capped by his starring role in the Netherlands U-19 European Championship triumph, where he shared the top scorer honor with five goals and earned tournament MVP accolades.
Barcelona’s interest intensified after Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman likened him to Pedri—his former Barça protégé—praising Smit’s poise and potential during a national team press conference.
In his De Telegraaf interview (via Diario AS), Smit stated: “How long do I see myself at AZ? I think six months or a year and a half.
After that, I hope to have taken the next step. I expect my transfer to be completed for 30 million.” He emphasized the benefit to AZ, noting it would be their priciest sale ever, surpassing Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s €23 million exit.
Smit dismissed staying in Holland: “My next step is outside of the Netherlands… I’ve started thinking about it.” While Real Madrid and others lurk—AZ valuing him at €60 million—Smit’s Barça fandom and Koeman connection make Camp Nou a dream fit.
For Barcelona, Smit represents a cost-effective anchor to succeed veterans like Frenkie de Jong, whom he eyes in Oranje’s midfield.
AZ’s leverage stems from his 2028 contract, but Smit’s ambition could force a summer 2026 deal.
This self-proclaimed readiness underscores La Masia’s youth magnet status, even as financial hurdles persist.
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