Overview
- Reports published Thursday say AZ and 20-year-old midfielder Kees Smit have agreed a new contract that runs to mid-2030, removing an easy near-term transfer option.
- AZ told clubs in August they would not sell Smit this summer and then pursued renewal talks that left the club with stronger leverage in any future negotiation.
- Smit has become a regular starter for AZ and a Netherlands international after a season with 46 appearances, five goals and nine assists, which helped fuel interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
- Former Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman and Dutch media have compared Smit to Pedri, and Smit has publicly said he admires Barcelona and would like to play in La Liga one day.
- The deal means suitors must now prepare larger offers and clearer plans for Smit’s development if they want him, and AZ can hold out for a higher transfer fee or keep him as a sporting asset while he continues to develop.