Barcelona’s resurgence under Hansi Flick continues to take shape, with the club working behind the scenes to ensure the future of their midfield remains strong and dynamic.
While the likes of Pedri, Gavi and Fermin Lopez represent the next generation of La Masia excellence, the Catalans are also eyeing external talent to complement their homegrown stars.
The Blaugrana have shown an increased appetite for emerging youth players across Europe, often battling rivals for elite teenage talent.
Now, Barca are firmly in the race for one of the most talked-about midfielders in Europe — and they may have a secret weapon in the chase.
According to Marca, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on AZ Alkmaar prodigy Kees Smit, who recently lit up the UEFA U19 European Championship with the Netherlands.
The 19-year-old playmaker was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and also finished as top scorer, guiding the Dutch to their first-ever U19 Euro title.
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Kees Smit, known for his composure, vision, and ability to glide past players under pressure, has been tracked by scouts from Spain’s top two clubs, as well as Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Ajax.
However, Barcelona may have an edge in the race, with reports suggesting that Smit idolises Andres Iniesta — a factor that could heavily influence his decision when the time comes.
The midfielder is currently under contract at AZ and is not expected to push for a move this summer, recognising the importance of regular game time in his development.
That gives Barcelona the chance to take a patient approach, continue monitoring his progress, and potentially secure a pre-agreement down the line.
While Real Madrid have already signed four new players this summer and remain active in the market under new boss Xabi Alonso, Barca are quietly laying the groundwork for their own midfield evolution — and Kees Smit could be central to it.
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