Picture this: you’re 19 years old, playing for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, and suddenly you find yourself being watched by scouts from Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and virtually every other elite club in Europe. That’s exactly what’s happening to Kees Smit right now, and frankly, it’s not hard to see why.
Just last month, Smit led the Netherlands Under-19 team to victory at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, earning the Player of the Tournament award in the process. But here’s the thing – this wasn’t just another youth tournament. This was a stage where future superstars announce themselves to the world, and Smit didn’t just announce himself; he commanded the spotlight.
When you look at previous winners of this award, the names jump out at you: Mason Mount (2017), Marco Asensio (2015), Aleksandar Mitrović (2013). These aren’t just players who had promising careers – they became household names, Champions League winners, and international stars. If history is any guide, Smit is destined for greatness
Let’s talk about why Manchester City should be at the front of the queue for Smit’s signature. Under Pep Guardiola, City has developed a reputation for identifying and nurturing exceptional young talent. The recent signings of players like Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Savinho, and Rayan Cherki – all 21 or younger – show a clear pattern: City is building for the future while maintaining their dominance in the present.
Guardiola’s system demands a specific type of midfielder: technically gifted, tactically intelligent, physically robust, and mentally strong. It’s a tall order, but Smit ticks every single box. The Spanish manager has always preferred players who can fulfill multiple roles, who can seamlessly transition between defense and attack, who can think three passes ahead while under pressure. Sound familiar? That’s exactly what Smit brings to the table.
What’s particularly exciting is how Smit’s profile aligns with City’s playing philosophy. The club has always prioritized possession-based football, intricate passing patterns, and tactical flexibility. Smit embodies these principles – he’s comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, can pick out teammates with pinpoint accuracy, and has the football intelligence to make split-second decisions that can change the course of a match.
Here’s where things get really interesting. At just 19, Smit has already made 46 competitive appearances for AZ Alkmaar, contributing 10 goals and nine assists. For context, that’s exceptional output for a teenager in senior football, especially when you consider the quality of opposition in the Eredivisie and European competitions.
But let’s dig deeper than just numbers. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo – known for their tactical analysis – described Smit as having “superior individual technical ability” that makes him stand out in dribbling and long passes. They went on to praise his “truly delicate foot” and physical performance that makes him “more than adequate” when competing against players twice his age.
What really sets Smit apart is his versatility. He’s not just a midfielder; he’s a complete midfielder. His defensive awareness is already at a senior level – he has what scouts describe as an “innate ability to steal the ball and positional intelligence superior to that of any developing player like him.” Yet he’s equally comfortable in advanced positions, with a knack for finding the net and creating opportunities for teammates.
This kind of all-round ability is exactly what modern football demands. Gone are the days when midfielders could specialize in just one aspect of the game. Today’s elite midfielders need to be comfortable defending their own penalty area and creating chances in the opposition’s box – sometimes within the same passage of play. Smit has demonstrated this ability consistently at youth level and is now proving it in senior football
One of the most compelling aspects of Smit’s potential move to Manchester City is how perfectly he would fit into Guardiola’s tactical system. The Spanish manager has always favored midfielders who can operate in multiple positions, who can drop deep to collect possession, drive forward with the ball, and contribute to both defensive and attacking phases.
Smit’s ability to function effectively as a mobile midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation while also demonstrating attacking potential suggests the kind of flexibility that elite coaches value highly. In City’s system, where players are expected to interchange positions fluidly throughout matches, this adaptability becomes invaluable.
What’s particularly interesting is how Smit’s skill set addresses some of the tactical challenges City faces. His ability to play with his head up and distribute long passes could provide an additional dimension to City’s build-up play. His defensive intelligence and pressing ability would fit seamlessly into Guardiola’s high-intensity system. And his goal-scoring threat from midfield would add another layer to City’s already potent attack.
The comparison to City’s current midfield options is instructive. While players like Rodri excel in specific areas, Smit offers something different – a more complete package that could provide Guardiola with additional tactical options. His youth also means he could be molded to fit the system perfectly, rather than needing to adapt existing habit
Here’s where the story gets really intense. City isn’t the only club interested in Smit – far from it. The list of suitors reads like a who’s who of European football: Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton, and Leeds United are all monitoring the situation closely. And that’s just the Premier League.
Internationally, Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and Marseille are all preparing potential offers. This level of interest from across Europe’s elite clubs tells you everything you need to know about Smit’s talent and potential.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey’s recent comments to Manchester City News provide valuable insight into the situation. His assessment that Smit is “a real player” and City’s genuine interest suggests the club views him as more than just a speculative punt on youth. But Bailey also noted that while there’s “a real chance” Smit could move this summer, the question remains whether City can beat the competition.
This is where City’s advantages become crucial. The appeal of working under Guardiola, the club’s track record of developing young talent, and their ability to compete for major honors all work in their favor. But they can’t afford to be complacent – when clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are interested, every day counts
Let’s talk money, because in modern football, you can’t ignore the financial dimension. Smit’s contract with AZ Alkmaar runs until 2028, which gives the Dutch club significant leverage in any negotiations. They’re not under pressure to sell, which means any interested club will need to pay a premium.
But here’s why the investment makes sense for City. Young players of Smit’s caliber typically appreciate in value significantly, making the financial outlay potentially profitable even if he doesn’t immediately break into the first team. City’s track record of developing young talent and subsequently selling players for substantial profits makes this type of investment strategically sound.
The competitive nature of the bidding process may drive up the eventual transfer fee, but City’s financial strength positions them well to compete with any rival offers. More importantly, their ability to offer attractive personal terms, combined with the appeal of working under Guardiola and competing for major honors, provides significant advantages in attracting top talent.
From a Financial Fair Play perspective, investing in young players like Smit is exactly the kind of move that makes sense. The transfer fee can be amortized over the length of his contract, and his potential resale value provides a financial cushion that pure rental signings don’t offer.
One of City’s biggest selling points to young players is their development pathway. The club has a systematic approach to player development, combining individual coaching with gradual first-team integration. This approach has proven successful with numerous players, and it’s exactly what a talent like Smit needs to reach his full potential.
The presence of established Dutch internationals like Nathan Aké within the squad could also facilitate Smit’s adaptation process. Having compatriots in the dressing room often helps young players settle into new environments, and City’s multicultural squad provides an ideal environment for integration.
But perhaps the most compelling aspect of joining City is the tactical education Smit would receive under Guardiola. The Spanish manager’s reputation for improving players’ understanding of the game is unparalleled. Combined with City’s state-of-the-art training facilities and support systems, it creates an ideal environment for a young player to fulfill his potential.
Consider how players like Phil Foden have developed under Guardiola’s guidance. Foden arrived as a promising youngster with obvious talent, but it was the tactical education and gradual integration that transformed him into a world-class player. Smit could follow a similar trajectory, using his time at City to develop from a promising youngster into a complete midfielder.
Smit’s potential arrival at Manchester City would represent more than just another transfer – it would signal the club’s continued commitment to building sustainable success through youth development. His profile as a technically gifted, tactically intelligent midfielder aligns perfectly with the club’s playing philosophy and long-term strategic vision.
The investment in young talent like Smit also reflects broader trends in football economics, where clubs increasingly prioritize players who can contribute immediately while retaining significant resale value. This approach helps maintain competitive squads while ensuring financial sustainability in an era of increased regulatory scrutiny.
From a sporting perspective, Smit’s arrival could provide Guardiola with additional tactical options, particularly in managing the transition between generations of players. His ability to contribute across multiple midfield positions makes him a valuable squad asset, while his potential for development suggests he could become a key player in the team’s future.
No transfer is without risk, and it’s worth considering the potential downsides. The step up from the Eredivisie to the Premier League is significant, and not every talented youngster successfully makes that transition. The physical demands of English football, combined with the tactical complexity of Guardiola’s system, could prove challenging for a 19-year-old.
There’s also the question of playing time. City’s squad is already packed with quality, and young players need regular minutes to develop. Smit would need to be patient and work his way into the team gradually, which requires a specific mentality and strong character.
But here’s why the risk is worth taking: Smit has already demonstrated his ability to compete at senior level in Holland, and his performances against top-quality opposition in European competitions suggest he has the mental strength to handle pressure. His technical ability and tactical intelligence give him the tools to succeed in any system, and his youth means he has time to adapt and develop.
As we look at the current transfer landscape, it’s clear that opportunities to sign players of Smit’s caliber don’t come around often. He represents the perfect combination of current ability and future potential, wrapped up in a package that seems tailor-made for Manchester City’s system.
The competitive nature of the pursuit reflects his exceptional potential, while City’s advantages in terms of coaching, facilities, and competitive opportunities position them well to secure his signature. But they need to act decisively – when clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are circling, hesitation can be costly.
For City fans, the prospect of Smit joining the club should be genuinely exciting. Here’s a player who could provide immediate squad depth while developing into a key component of the team’s future. His versatility, technical ability, and tactical intelligence make him the kind of player who could thrive under Guardiola’s guidance
Kees Smit represents everything that’s exciting about modern football talent development. He’s technically gifted, tactically intelligent, physically robust, and mentally strong. He’s proven himself at youth level, demonstrated his ability in senior football, and shown he can perform on the biggest stages.
For Manchester City, his acquisition would represent both immediate squad strengthening and long-term investment in the club’s future. The competitive nature of the pursuit reflects his exceptional potential, while the club’s advantages in terms of coaching, facilities, and competitive opportunities position them well to secure his signature.
As the transfer window progresses, the resolution of Smit’s situation will be closely watched by football observers across Europe. His decision will likely be influenced by factors including playing time opportunities, coaching quality, and the overall vision presented by potential suitors.
City’s compelling proposition, built on their track record of developing young talent and competing at the highest level, makes them strong contenders in this high-stakes pursuit. The coming weeks will reveal whether they can successfully navigate the competitive landscape to secure one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
If successful, Smit’s arrival would represent another significant step in the club’s ongoing evolution, combining immediate quality with long-term potential in a package that embodies the modern approach to football excellence. For a club that prides itself on identifying and nurturing exceptional talent, Kees Smit represents an opportunity that simply cannot be missed.
