Kees Smit jokes about negotiating with Barcelona, fueling transfer talk

TL;DR

Kees Smit, after a standout performance in the KNVB Cup, jokingly expressed willingness to negotiate a move to Barcelona. His potential transfer is complicated by interest from other top clubs and a contract with AZ Alkmaar until 2028.

Key points

Kees Smit performed well in the KNVB Cup final.
He joked about negotiating a move to Barcelona.
Smit's contract with AZ Alkmaar lasts until 2028.
Other clubs like Real Madrid and PSG are interested in him.
Transfer fees are speculated to be between €50 million and €80 million.

Mentioned in this story

Ronald KoemanRafael van der Vaart

AZ AlkmaarBarcelonaReal MadridParis Saint-Germain

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - APRIL 19: Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar during the Dutch Eurojackpot KNVB Beker Final match between AZ Alkmaar and NEC Nijmegen at Stadion Feijenoord on April 19, 2026 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Ed van de Pol/BSR Agency/Getty Images) | Getty Images AZ Alkmaar’s recent success in the KNVB Cup has placed Kees Smit directly under the spotlight, and not just for his performances on the pitch. Following a dominant 5-1 victory over NEC Nijmegen in the final, where he notched both a goal and an assist, the 20-year-old midfielder is heading to Barcelona to celebrate with his teammates. With rumors of a summer move to the Camp Nou swirling, Smit didn’t miss the chance to have some fun with the speculation. “If they ask me to negotiate, I am totally willing to do so. Of course, I have time for it,” Smit joked during an interview with ESPN. The timing of the trip is tight, as the youngster noted that “it’s the only way to celebrate with the group” before returning to the Netherlands for their final league fixtures. While the comments were lighthearted, they carry weight considering the situation. He has previously admitted to growing up watching Barça and currently is said to favor a move to La Liga over the Premier League and been . But securing his signature will be complicated. According to reports, the competition is fierce, with , , and all keeping tabs on the Dutch international. AZ are well-positioned to demand a premium, with his contract running until 2028. Figures between €60 million and €80 million are being mentioned, though some valuations suggest a deal could start closer to €50 million. The hype on this kid is growing. Ronald Koeman, the current Netherlands manager and Barcelona icon and former manager, has been one of his backers. The former defender recently described him as “a player for Barça” and suggested he represents “a mix between and .” This high praise follows similar sentiments from former Real Madrid and Netherlands attacker , who recently urged Real to move for the player he called “incredibly good.”

Q&A

What did Kees Smit say about negotiating with Barcelona?

Kees Smit joked that he is willing to negotiate with Barcelona if they ask him to.

Which clubs are interested in Kees Smit's transfer?

Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United are all reportedly interested in Kees Smit.

What is Kees Smit's current contract situation with AZ Alkmaar?

Kees Smit's contract with AZ Alkmaar runs until 2028, making any potential transfer complicated.