The Ibrahimovic legacy is set to continue in the Netherlands after Maximilian Ibrahimovic finalised a permanent move away from AC Milan to join AZ. The young winger is returning to familiar territory in the Eredivisie following the conclusion of a developmental loan spell with Ajax's reserve side.
And there we have it. The 2025-26 European football season is in the books, capped by Paris Saint-Germain beating Arsenal in the Champions League final to defend their continental crown. Soon the past nine months or so will become distant memories, such is the speed at which the footballing world moves on, especially when major tournaments on the horizon.
Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Arda Turan has heaped praise on AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit, labelling the midfielder a "special" talent destined for the very top of the game. Despite his side securing a 3-0 victory in the Conference League quarter-finals, the Turkish manager was left awestruck by the youngster's ability to dictate the tempo of the match against his team.
Oufkir was in inspired form for the Windmills, delivering a performance that underlined his growing influence in the side. The midfielder, known for his composure and range of passing, controlled the tempo from the base of the midfield and provided the spark that ignited several dangerous attacks. His reading of the game disrupted opposition builds, while his quick distribution launched counter-attacks that kept the back line on high alert. Although the final scoreline did not reflect the dominance he helped create, his ability to dictate play and maintain possession earned him praise from coaches and supporters alike. As the Windmills look to build on this display, Oufkir’s continued development could prove crucial to their season-long ambitions.
AZ sensation Kees Smit has put Europe's elite on high alert by revealing his desire to secure a move to La Liga in the near future. The 20-year-old midfielder, who has become one of the most coveted young talents in the Eredivisie, is currently being monitored by both Real Madrid and Barcelona as they look to bolster their respective squads with the next generation of Dutch quality.
Troy Parrott has become a “cult hero” with the Republic of Ireland, but will he be back in England by the time a bid to reach the 2026 World Cup is completed? That question has been put to Stephen Carr, with the former Tottenham defender discussing future plans for the in-form striker and collective efforts to reach a first global gathering since 2002.
Manchester United are monitoring AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit as they look to finally address their long-standing midfield issues, but face rival interest from within the Premier League. The 19-year-old Dutch international is attracting interest from multiple elite clubs, with AZ prepared to demand around £25 million for their prized academy graduate.
AZ Alkmaar
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