Man Utd Told To Match £53M Asking Price As They Plot Move For The ‘Next Pedri’

AZ Alkmaar have placed a valuation of €60m (£53m) on Man Utd transfer target Kees Smit, according to reports.

The Athletic claim that the Red Devils, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are among the teams keeping close tabs on the Dutchman.

However, Newcastle could steal a march on their rivals, with it being claimed that the Magpies are looking to make a move for Smit during the January transfer window.

AZ’s asking price may still put them off from making an offer but the 19-year-old is clearly in very high demand.

What do fans need to know about Smit?

The teenager came through AZ’s youth system before making his debut for the first team against Excelsior in March 2024. Since then, he has gone on to make 52 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 6 assists.

Speaking about Smit during the last international break, Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman drew comparisons between him and a Barcelona superstar:

“The way he turns away from his opponent, the way he scans the area, his two-footedness… I saw that in Pedri, too. If he gets half his career, we’ll be very happy in the Netherlands.”

Man Utd may target a different type of midfielder

While Smit is very talented, head coach Ruben Amorim may have other ideas with regards to who he believes would be the best fit for his double pivot.

He is reportedly keen to add more athleticism, someone capable of covering a lot of ground. The likes of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Wolves’ Joao Gomes, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher have all been mentioned as potential targets.

Of course, there is a possibility that the Red Devils pursue two midfielders, and if a Pedri-type player is also on the agenda, then a bid for Smit could well be made.

Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here