Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Thursday, November 13, 2025 9:36 p.m. / Updated Friday, November 14, 2025 12:06 a.m.
Kees Smit is the new big name attracting the attention of European clubs. At just 19, the AZ Alkmaar midfielder is impressing in the Eredivisie and is already being compared to Kevin De Bruyne and Pedri.
It was Holland coach Ronald Koeman (62) who made the latest comparison.
After watching him closely, Koeman told the Dutch media that Smit reminds him of the Barcelona midfielder, with whom he worked during his time on the Catalans' bench:
“He has a clarity of play and a tactical intelligence that reminds me of Pedri. He plays simply but effectively and is always a second ahead of his opponents.” Koeman said.
Newcastle are entering the race for Kees Smit's signature
Although the young midfielder is already on the radar of huge clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund, a new team has entered the line: Newcastle United, according to abola.pt.
The “Cotofenele” want to take advantage of the fact that they can offer guaranteed minutes to the young player, unlike the giants who would bring him for a secondary role.
“Newcastle have him on the list for next summer. The club believe they can offer him a clear development plan with consistent minutes from the first season“, writes the cited source.
Kees Smit does not hide: “I like Barcelona”
Even though several clubs are courting him, Smit has already admitted which is his favorite team:
“I like Barcelona, that's why I appreciate these type of midfielders,” said the young Dutchman, referring to the comparisons with Pedri.
Smit, the best footballer of the European Championship played in Romania
Quoted at 10 million euros, according to Transfermarkt, Kees Smit is the undisputed starter at Alkmaar, where he arrived in the summer of 2015.
At only 19 years old, the midfielder who can act as a number 8, in a “box-to-box” role, or even offensively, as a number 10, already has 50 matches, with 4 goals and 6 decisive assists.
This summer, at the U19 European Championship held in Romania, Smit was named the top scorer of the competition, with 4 goals, as well as the best player of the tournament.
In the semi-final duel with Romania, won 3-1 at the stadium in Giulesti, Smit managed to score and provide a decisive assist.
