'I want to make a move' - Real Madrid and Barcelona target eager to 'reach the top as quickly as possible' amid Dutch wonderkid's rise to Eredivisie stardom

Smit has declared his ambition to "reach the top as quickly as possible" after a breakout summer saw him linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. The 18-year-old was speaking to De Telegraaf ahead of his recent debut for the Netherlands U21 national team.

Smit's stock has risen dramatically following a sensational U19 European Championship campaign this past summer, where he captained the Netherlands to victory. His performances earned him both the Player of the Tournament award and the top scorer prize, catapulting him onto the radar of Europe's elite. Addressing the subsequent transfer speculation, Smit admitted the links to Real Madrid and Barcelona "made me proud." Having since cemented a starting role at AZ, he is now regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the Eredivisie.

During the Netherlands' victorious U19 European Championship campaign in Romania, Kees Smit achieved a rare double for a midfielder by being named the Player of the Tournament and also finishing as the competition's top scorer.

Speaking on the link of joining the La Liga giants, Smit said: "[The U19 Euros] helped with the attention. Not in Zakynthos [while on holiday], but I did see my name all over social media. I read I was on the radar of Real Madrid and Barcelona. That made me proud."

Smit himself is clear about his plan: "I talk about it at home sometimes, not every week. But I know what I want – a good season with AZ. After that we’ll see. I want to take a step forward, but it doesn’t have to be next year. Still, I do want to reach the top as soon as possible."

Having made his Netherlands U21 debut against Israel earlier this week, Smit's focus will return to his club duties with AZ. The midfielder is aiming to build on his strong start to the Eredivisie season and solidify his place in the team.