Man Utd Asked To Match £53M Asking Price As They Plan Move For ‘Next Pedri’

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

Athletics claims that the Red Devils, Barcelona, ​​​​Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are among the teams keeping tabs on the Dutchman.

However, Newcastle could steal a march on their rivals, with it being claimed that the Magpies want to sign Smit during the January transfer window.

AZ’s asking price may still make them reluctant to make 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 the AZ youth system before making his debut for the first team against Excelsior in March 2024. Since then, he has made 52 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 6 assists.

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

“The way he avoids opponents, the way he observes the penalty area, his two-footed ability… I also see it in Pedri. If he gets half his career, we will be very happy in Holland.”

Man Utd may be targeting a different type of midfielder

While Smit is extremely talented, head coach Ruben Amorim may have other ideas as to who he thinks is the best fit for his double pivot.

He reportedly wants to add more athleticism, someone who can cover a lot of ground. Players like Carlos Baleba from Brighton, Wolves João GomesNottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher have all been mentioned as potential targets.

Of course, there is the possibility that the Red Devils are pursuing the two midfielders, and if a player of Pedri’s type is also on the agenda, then a bid for Smit could be made.

Read more about Manchester United’s 2025/26 First Team Squad here