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| Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Dutch wonderkid Kees Smit… but can we outbid Europe’s elite |
Inside Tottenham Hotspur’s Pursuit of Europe’s Most Wanted Teen Midfielder
Tottenham Hotspur, under the new management of Thomas Frank, are reportedly in the race to sign AZ Alkmaar’s 19-year-old Dutch midfielder Kees Smit, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
This report examines Tottenham’s interest in Smit, his background, the competition for his signature, and the potential implications for Spurs’ squad.
The information is based on recent reports from reputable sources and social media discussions, including a tweet from
highlighting the transfer rumour.
Player Profile: Kees Smit
Kees Smit, born in 2006, is a 19-year-old attacking midfielder currently playing for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Smit rose to prominence after an outstanding performance at the UEFA Under-19 European Championship in 2025, where he was named Player of the Tournament for his role in helping the Netherlands secure the title.
Known for his technical ability, elegant dribbling, and eye for goal, Smit has also been a top scorer in the tournament, showcasing his versatility and potential.
He joined AZ Alkmaar’s senior squad in the summer of 2024 after progressing through their youth system and has a contract with the club until June 2028.
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| Smart players win the Euro U-19 Golden Player Awards |
Tottenham Hotspur’s Interest
According to multiple sources, Tottenham Hotspur have been closely monitoring Smit for months, with technical director Johan Lange playing a key role in scouting the young midfielder.
Reports indicate that Spurs had representatives in Romania to observe Smit’s performances at the U19 Euros, where he impressed with his composure and creativity.
The club’s interest is part of a broader strategy under Thomas Frank to bolster the squad with young, dynamic talents suited to his high-energy, attacking style of play, especially as Tottenham Hotspur prepare for our return to the Champions League in the 2025/26 season.
A tweet from
on July 4, 2025, stated, “Tottenham and Chelsea in the race for AZ Alkmaar’s 19-year-old Dutch star Kees Smit! 
The next big thing in midfield? 
#THFC #CFC #TransferRumor,” reflecting the growing buzz around Smit’s potential move to the Premier League.
Competition for Smit
Tottenham Hotspur face stiff competition for Smit’s signature. Chelsea are also heavily linked, with sources confirming their long-term interest in the midfielder, having scouted him alongside Spurs at the U19 Euros.
Other Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Leeds United, are reportedly keeping tabs on Smit’s situation.
Beyond England, European giants such as Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Marseille, and Barcelona have also shown interest, with Barcelona scouts closely following his recent performances.
This widespread attention underscores Smit’s status as a highly coveted prospect, often described as AZ Alkmaar’s “crown jewel.”
Here is a Spanish tweet, but I think the figure is way off the mark:
Kees Smith gives you legs, vision, and hunger. You can mold him right away under Xabi, and if it doesn’t work out, the loss is minimal. For €5M, he’s a must-sign.
Transfer Context and Challenges
Smit’s contract with AZ Alkmaar, which runs until 2028, gives the Dutch club a strong negotiating position.
While no specific transfer fee has been confirmed, AZ are reportedly demanding a “towering” sum for their starlet, which could disrupt the transfer market if a deal is agreed upon.
Tottenham Hotspur’s financial situation, with a reported net transfer debt of £279 million, may complicate our ability to secure Smit, especially given the competition from wealthier clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea.
This £279 figure is what we owe other clubs in instalment payments for players we have bought over the last 5 years.
You ask where the money goes, that’s where it goes, in transfer fees!
Thus selling players helps the situation.
One cup run, or one Champions League season doesn’t wipe out that debt, only the end of individual instalment payments for individual players does.
An initial loan fee for a player, delays annual instalment payments to pay fo them.
Negotiating a transfer fee is not always just about the fee, it’s about how the fee is paid, over what period yo suit each clubs accounting situation requirements, with PSR in mind.
However, Spurs’ Champions League qualification for the 2025/26 season could be a significant factor in attracting Smit, offering him a platform to compete at the highest level.
Potential Fit at Tottenham Hotspur
Smit’s skill set aligns well with Thomas Frank’s tactical vision, which emphasizes fluid attacking play and dynamic midfielders.
His ability to dribble, create chances, and contribute goals would complement Tottenham Hotspur’s current midfield options, including players like James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall.
At 19, Smit represents a long-term investment with the potential to develop into a key player, addressing Spurs’ need for depth and creativity in midfield.
However, his integration into a competitive Premier League squad would require careful management, given his relative inexperience at the senior level.
🔎 Who is Spurs target Kees Smit? (19, CM, 🇳🇱, 6’0”)🔹 Player of the Tournament at the U19 Euros🔹 Creative playmaker with elite vision🔹 Controls tempo and dictates play🔹 Excels in vertical passing and dribbling🔹 Strong spatial awareness and composure
Critical Analysis
While the excitement around Smit is justified, given his performances at youth international level, there are risks associated with his potential transfer.
His limited senior experience at AZ Alkmaar raises questions about his immediate readiness for the Premier League’s intensity.
Additionally, the high transfer fee and competition from multiple elite clubs could inflate costs, potentially making the deal less viable for Tottenham Hotspur unless we prioritise him over other targets.
The club’s recent history of investing in young talents, such as Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, suggests we are willing to take calculated risks, but financial constraints may force us to be strategic.
THBN The Final Word
Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Kees Smit reflects our ambition to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League and Champions League under Thomas Frank.
Smit’s technical prowess and standout performances make him a highly sought-after prospect, but Tottenham Hotspur face fierce competition from Chelsea, Real Madrid, and other top clubs.
While social media buzz, such as the tweet from
, highlights the growing hype around Smit, Spurs must navigate financial and strategic challenges to secure his signature.
If successful, Smit could be a transformative addition to Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield, offering long-term potential and aligning with Frank’s vision for the club.
For the latest updates on this transfer rumour, fans can follow developments on platforms like X or visit trusted sources.
Sources
- TBR Football, July 3, 2025
- Soccernews.nl, July 3, 2025
- Tribuna.com, June 27, 2025
- FootballTransfers.com, June 23, 2025
- Football.London, July 3, 2025
-
@Bovaboutfootie
on X, July 4, 2025
- Additional X posts from
@GraemeBailey
,
@Blue_Footy,
@Bergvallisking,
@okoh0255,
@ouggi,
@Jp51Nieuws
