Marco van Basten Advises Kees Smit Against Early Transfer

AZ, through prominent agent Jorge Mendes, is reportedly working on a significant transfer for Kees Smit. Former football star Marco van Basten has expressed his concerns, labeling this potential move as unwise for the player at this stage in his career.

Van Basten suggests that Smit should focus on staying within the Netherlands, recommending a three-year tenure at AZ or a move to Ajax, PSV, or Feyenoord before considering a transition to a top foreign league. He emphasizes the importance of being settled, ideally with a partner, to mitigate the potential loneliness that can accompany such a move.

In his remarks on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo, Van Basten stated, “I believe it would be a waste to push Smit into Europe at this point.”

Hugo Borst has also weighed in on the situation, criticizing technical director Max Huiberts for prioritizing a high-profile transfer to boost his own résumé. Borst argues that Smit should remain in the Eredivisie for at least another year and a half, cautioning against the influence of ego and financial interests surrounding the young player. He cautions that should Smit be sold to a major club like Manchester City or Real Madrid now, it would be based on his current limited achievements, which he believes do not warrant such a significant transfer fee. “He has shown glimpses of talent, but he is still unproven at the highest level,” Borst concluded.