Man Utd target 'prodigy' Kees Smit: The perfect piece for Michael Carrick's philosophy.
In an effort to revamp their midfield after the Casemiro era, Manchester United are showing particular interest in 20-year-old midfielder Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar, following a recommendation from Rio Ferdinand.
The summer of 2026 is predicted to be the time when Manchester United will undertake a major overhaul in midfield. With veteran Casemiro set to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer and Manuel Ugarte failing to live up to expectations, INEOS is actively searching for a new playmaker capable of leading the team's play in the long term.
Among the list of potential targets, Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar is emerging as a leading candidate. The 20-year-old midfielder is not only a sensation in the Dutch Eredivisie but is also considered an ideal fit for the possession-based football philosophy being implemented by interim manager Michael Carrick.
A strong recommendation from legend Rio Ferdinand
Kees Smit's appeal has further increased since legend Rio Ferdinand publicly showered the young talent with praise. On his personal channel, the former Manchester United center-back emphasized that Smit is a modern midfielder, possessing a comprehensive skill set that the team is currently lacking.
"Kees Smit is a quality player. He can really do everything in midfield and is maintaining a very high standard of play," Ferdinand commented. Smit's performances in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League have demonstrated impressive pressing ability, dynamic box-to-box thinking, and excellent control of the game's tempo.
The tactical link in Michael Carrick's scheme.
Manchester United's interest in Smit is believed to have been influenced by Michael Carrick. As a master of midfield control during his playing career, Carrick always prioritized midfielders capable of circulating the ball and breaking through opposing defenses with incisive passes.
Data analysis from Fbref reveals striking similarities between Kees Smit and Hayden Hackney – Carrick's favorite pupil at Middlesbrough. Both excel at drawing the ball from their own half and creating dangerous scoring opportunities from outside the penalty area. If he arrives at Old Trafford, Smit is expected to become an upgraded version of Carrick, allowing him to replicate his tactical legacy at the "Theatre of Dreams".
A fierce race and a price tag of £50 million.
However, Manchester United will not easily acquire this "gem" of Dutch football. Currently, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Newcastle, and Borussia Dortmund are all targeting Smit. The transfer fee demanded by AZ Alkmaar is predicted to be no less than £50 million – a challenging figure but one that accurately reflects the player's potential.
Besides Smit, the Red Devils are also considering Hayden Hackney as a backup option at a price of around £25 million. Although Carrick's tenure at Man Utd may only be temporary, recruiting players who fit INEOS's youth development philosophy remains a strategic move to build a solid foundation for the club's future.
