- Rio Ferdinand tells Manchester United to go after Dutch midfielder
- Kees Smit is seen as one of Europe’s top talents
- Barcelona and Real Madrid also interested in the 20-year-old
Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has urged the club not to let Kees Smit slip anywhere else, insisting United must secure his signature.
Smit is one of Europe’s most exciting youngsters and is one of several names linked with the Reds. The Dutch starlet is flourishing in the Eredivisie and as a result is expected to make a big move this summer.
Ferdinand thinks the 20-year-old is the real deal and advised his former club to swoop for the talented midfielder. He said his X account:
“Kees Smit is the truth man, I’m telling you. He’s one you go ‘I’m buying him’ it doesn’t have to be right now. And I hope he does come in and take the world by storm.”
Ferdinand added:
“But if we have got to wait six to a year for him, I do not care, because we can’t let him go elsewhere. This kid… I’ve seen him play a few times now, and that was enough for me. I have seen the footage and… wow! I’ve also spoken to a few people in the Netherlands, friends of mine… He’s the real deal.”
Who is Kees Smit
At just 20, Smit is one of the most promising under-21 talents in Europe. Born on January 20, 2006, he forced his way into the AZ Alkmaar side during the 2024/25 season and has remained a constant presence in the Eredivisie since.
Smit made his debut for the Netherlands national team in a 2–1 win over Norway on March 27, and now looks set for a move. After a 4–0 win against Sparta Prague in the UEFA Europa Conference League, he told Ziggo Sport that he is considering leaving AZ:
“Basically, I want to play a lot; that’s important to me. I could stay at AZ, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Clubs across the Netherlands and Europe have already moved into position, leaving Smit with a clear choice over his next step.
Where Does Smit’s Future Lie?
Smit could opt for a lower-pressure route and join one of Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, or Feyenoord—the traditional “big three,” who have combined for 79 of the 136 Eredivisie titles. Since 1965, only AZ (two) and FC Twente (one) have broken that dominance.
The young Dutch star could head into the spotlight and step up to a European giant. Smit has already hinted at his preference (via GOAL):
“La Liga. Playing there would be great; I love the sun, I’m tired of playing in so much cold and rain, so I’d like to go and play in Spain. I really enjoyed watching Barca, I grew up watching Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi play, and I consider them two of my role models,” the midfielder said. I watch almost every Barcelona match. It’s simply my favourite club.”
While Ferdinand has made the case for Manchester United, interest stretches far wider. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich all track him closely.
