English side wants wonderkid coveted by Barca and Real Madrid

Real Madrid and Barcelona rarely go head-to-head for signings these days, but when they do, it tends to be related to emerging wonderkids. Neymar Junior and Vinicius Junior being fine examples, but these days a number of clubs tend to be scouting the same top talents.

That is the case for Kees Smit. The Dutch midfielder has earned much acclaim following appearances in the Netherlands victorious under-19 Euros campaign, and playing senior football for AZ Alkmaar. However it is not just Real Madrid and Barcelona looking at him.

Premier League interest in Smit

Despite interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, DM (via ESPN) say that the side most keen on making a move for Smit is Crystal Palace. When Real Madrid were linked with a move for a midfielder, one of the names suggested for a move was Smit, but another was Adam Wharton, who plays for Palace. With the London side expecting more interest in Wharton down the line, Smit could be their replacement. Unlike Real Madrid and Barcelona, they may offer him first team football.

Smit has acknowledged Real Madrid and Barcelona interest

Earlier in the summer, Smit admitted that there had been some interest from Spain’s giants, but said that he was prioritising his development at Alkmaar before making a major switch. That could work in Palace’s favour, as they compete with four of Europe’s biggest giants, and likely more, if Smit prefers the promise of game time over glamour and money.

Barça have the idea of abandoning the Super League project after relations with UEFA have improved. UEFA have agreed to some of the blaugrana club’s requests, and the format change has generated more revenue. @FCBRAC1

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 3, 2025

Any move to the Premier League would likely provide the latter, but Smit would be battling to get into an already stacked midfield in the cases of Barcelona and Real Madrid if he were to go there. While it is true Los Blancos are perhaps more lacking in a profile of his characteristics, they are still trying to fit Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni into three positions.