Latest news

Arno Vermeulen fears Kees Smit could leave AZ for a fee of a few hundred thousand euros

Dubbed “the new De Bruyne”, the young playmaker is reported to be sparking a transfer battle among Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United

Europe braces for a €50 million showdown

Crystal Palace FC v AZ Alkmaar - UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD3

Turan tips Real Madrid and Barca target Smit for greatness

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.

Borsato turns up at the stadium and singles out his favourite player, labelling him a ‘wonderkid’

Ferdinand raves about the Netherlands international: 'Wow! What a top player – he's the real deal'

Barcelona or Real Madrid? Dutch star admits La Liga dream

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.

Man Utd target dresses as Shaun the Sheep at World Darts Champs

Manchester United and Newcastle transfer target Kees Smith has been spotted at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace after taking a trip to the capital with friends. The AZ star made the most of the occasion by going undercover and donning a Shaun the Sheep outfit as he joined fellow darts fans to watch the likes of Luke Littler and Co. in action.

Chelsea edge ahead of Newcastle in transfer race for 'Dutch Pedri'

Chelsea have reportedly moved ahead of Newcastle in the transfer race for AZ Alkmaar's 'Dutch Pedri' Kees Smit. The 19-year-old, valued at around £25 million ($33m), has attracted attention from across the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also tracking his progress in the Netherlands. However, it is the Blues who are said to be in pole position as it stands.

Man Utd plotting swoop for Dutch wonderkid to solve midfield problems

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.

Newcastle ready to go head-to-head with Real Madrid for Smit

Newcastle are ready to put up a fight with Real Madrid as the Magpies eye AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit. The 19-year-old is already being viewed as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the Netherlands in recent years and has attracted attention from many of Europe’s elite. However, Newcastle believe they can push themselves into contention for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur v AZ Alkmaar - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg

Palace to battle Man Utd & Real Madrid for KDB-esque star

Crystal Palace are ready to compete with Manchester United and Real Madrid in the transfer market to sign Dutch wonderkid Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar as the Eagles plot an ambitious swoop. Smit came into the limelight in 2023 after he scored from 50 yards against Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League and then helped Netherlands win the European U19 Championship last summer.

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Frequently asked questions

: Declan Rice primarily plays as a defensive midfielder for Arsenal, either as a single pivot or in a double-pivot formation. More recently, though, he has been used in a bit more advanced position as an #8, thanks to his progressive ball-carrying and goalscoring abilities.
: Declan Rice was born in Kingston upon Thames in the Greater London region in England.
: The English international dons the No. 41 jersey at his current club Arsenal. In an episode of The Overlap in 2022, where he had a chat with Gary Neville, Rice explained that 41 was a number given to his by his kit man at his previous club, West Ham United, and that he continues to wear it because he's superstitious.
: The Arsenal man is 1.88m (6ft 2in) tall, and is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world at the moment.
: Declan Rice weighs 80kg (176 lbs) and is a physically dominant force in midfield.
: Declan Rice spent the majority of his youth career at Chelsea (2006-2013), before spending two years in West Ham United's youth setup.
: Declan Rice and long-term girlfriend Lauren Fryer welcomed their first child, son Jude, in August 2022.
: Declan Rice hasn't exchanged vows yet, but he has been dating childhood sweetheart Lauren Fryer since 2016.

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