Chelsea are competing with Real Madrid for Kees Smith.
Real Madrid are monitoring Kees Smit and are planning to push for him in the summer of 2026, while Chelsea have also entered the race. The AZ midfielder, the European U19 MVP, has played 46 games, scoring 4 goals in 15 matches, and is valued at €6.5 million.
The race to sign Kees Smit is heating up as both Real Madrid and Chelsea are accelerating their efforts. According to Football Transfers, the 2006-born midfielder from AZ Alkmaar has been added to Chelsea's watchlist, while Real Madrid have been closely monitoring him for months and plan to push ahead in the summer 2026 transfer window.
Talent Profile: From the Middles to the Top of the European U19 Championship
Kees Smit has made 46 appearances for AZ Alkmaar's first team, a remarkable number for a teenager. This summer, he won the Best Player award at the European U19 Championship, further solidifying his class on the international youth stage.
To date, Smit has scored 4 goals in 15 appearances across all competitions, demonstrating formidable attacking prowess from the midfield position. The combination of his club-level performances and international titles further increases his appeal in the transfer market.
Transfer news: Real Madrid and Chelsea enter the race.
Real Madrid are looking for a new central midfielder.
Real Madrid are looking for a new central midfielder and have been monitoring Smit for months. According to sources, “Los Blancos” are preparing to intensify their efforts to secure his signature in the summer transfer window of 2026. This move aligns with their long-term plan, as they prioritize a young player with experience at the highest level.
Chelsea intensifies competition.
At the same time, Chelsea highly appreciates Smit's recent performances. According to Football Transfers, the London club sees him as a potential option for their midfield in the future. The interest from the Premier League makes the race even more intense, especially as other European giants are also watching the progress.
AZ Alkmaar is expected to receive several official offers for Smit next summer. With an estimated market value of around €6.5 million, this could be a cost-effective deal in the face of strong competition.
Professional perspective: role and utility value
Current statistics show that Smit is the type of midfielder who provides an attacking threat from the second line. This fits the needs of the "new central midfielder" that Real Madrid are pursuing, and is also a quality highly valued by Chelsea. In a top-level environment, a young midfielder who has already played 46 first-team games is usually expected to evolve his role and level of contribution over time.
Although there is still room for development, the playing experience at AZ and the recognition from the European U19 Championship are positive indicators of his ability to adapt to the pace and demanding tactical requirements of big clubs. The timing of the transfer may depend on each team's short-term strategy and the player's readiness.
Quick statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Year old | Born in 2006 |
| Number of matches for AZ Alkmaar first team | 46 |
| Goals this season (all competitions) | 4 goals/15 matches |
| Individual title | Best player of the European U19 Championship (this summer) |
| Estimated value | Approximately 6.5 million euros |
Impact and prospects
If AZ receives an offer next summer, the competition between Real Madrid and Chelsea could be the first test of Smit's future at the highest level. While Real Madrid are reportedly targeting 2026, the fact that clubs are pushing for early negotiations doesn't rule out the possibility of unexpected developments in the market.
With his rising profile, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for the midfield needs of big clubs, Kees Smit stands out as a noteworthy signing in the short and medium term.
