The famous agent reportedly controls situation with AZ Alkmaar demanding up to £65m for Dutch midfielder, who has stood out with his performances
Kees Smit‘s departure from AZ Alkmaar appears inevitable this summer, with multiple European giants preparing bids for the 20-year-old Dutch midfielder.
Super-agent Jorge Mendes is orchestrating the situation as clubs across England and Spain position themselves for what transfer expert Fabrizio Romano describes as a “big battle” during the upcoming window.
Smit has contributed three goals and five assists across 31 appearances for AZ this season, building on his overall record of five goals and seven assists in 62 matches for the club.
Manchester United, Barcelona, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all been linked with Smit’s services in recent weeks. A report earlier this month suggested Los Blancos had made signing the young Dutchman a priority, though Romano indicates competition for his signature will be fierce across both the Premier League and LaLiga.
The involvement of Mendes, one of football’s most influential agents, signals the transfer’s potential significance. His client roster includes some of the sport’s biggest names, and his presence suggests Smit’s move will be carefully orchestrated to maximise both the player’s career trajectory and AZ Alkmaar‘s financial return.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano outlined the dynamics shaping what could become one of summer’s most expensive transfers involving a player from the Eredivisie.
“Jorge Mendes is in control of the situation. There is Real Madrid interested and several Premier League top clubs so there is going to be a big battle in the Premier League and Spanish clubs,” Romano explained.
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AZ preparing for massive payday
Romano emphasised that clubs expecting to land Smit with conventional transfer fees should reconsider their strategies. AZ Alkmaar recognise the value of their asset and won’t accept offers below their valuation, even from Europe’s wealthiest institutions.
“Let’s see what happens because Kees Smit and AZ Alkmaar, it is going to be a huge summer, a huge battle,” Romano continued. “It’s not going to be easy to sign him because €40m (£35m)-€45m (£39m) is not going to be enough, it’s going to be big money.”
Reports from the Netherlands have suggested AZ could demand as much as €75m (£65m) for the midfielder, a figure that would represent one of the largest fees ever paid for an Eredivisie player.
“For sure, it’s going to be a big battle, so get ready for Kees Smit because he’s going to be a big part of conversations,” Romano added, signalling the transfer saga will dominate headlines throughout the summer window.