Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)
October 2025
Crystal Palace are ready to rival Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea for teenage Dutch star Kees Smit. The 19-year-old midfielder has been compared to Frenkie de Jong and Kevin De Bruyne after excelling for club and country.
Palace believe they can lure Smit with a clearer career pathway as they prepare for Adam Wharton’s likely departure. Scouts across Europe continue monitoring the teenager, who shot to fame with a 50-yard goal against Barcelona in 2023 and U19 Euros MVP honors.