Story perspectives

AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit Sparks Interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kees Smit, a rising AZ Alkmaar talent, is drawing interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Following recent European court rulings, Smit could leave AZ for a minimal fee if AZ sets an unrealistically high transfer price.
Journalist Arno Vermeulen warns that if AZ demands between €40 million and €60 million, Smit could terminate his contract for only a few hundred thousand euros.
The situation highlights shifting transfer power and players' rights as Smit remains under contract until 2028.

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Story summary

Kees Smit, a rising AZ Alkmaar talent, is drawing interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Following recent European court rulings, Smit could leave AZ for a minimal fee if AZ sets an unrealistically high transfer price.
Journalist Arno Vermeulen warns that if AZ demands between €40 million and €60 million, Smit could terminate his contract for only a few hundred thousand euros.
The situation highlights shifting transfer power and players' rights as Smit remains under contract until 2028.