Manchester United Targets AZ Alkmaar Star Smit for Midfield Rebuild

Manchester United has identified 19-year-old Smit as a potential key player in their midfield reconstruction, according to sources from CentreDevils. Scouts have been closely monitoring the development of the AZ Alkmaar starlet throughout the current season. Christopher Vivell, the club’s Director of Recruitment, has initiated discussions about Smit internally, indicating that he is regarded as one of the most promising young midfield talents available in the market. His youth, tactical acumen, and technical prowess make him an appealing long-term investment as the club seeks to reshape its core.

AZ Alkmaar reportedly values Smit at around £25 million ($33 million), a price considered modest given his projected potential and emerging international reputation. Manchester United is not alone in its interest; several clubs across Europe have made inquiries, with domestic rivals in the Premier League expected to intensify their pursuit in the coming weeks. Newcastle United is currently a significant contender alongside United, with their interest described as gaining substantial momentum.

While Manchester United is eager to strengthen their squad promptly, a transfer in January appears unlikely at this stage. The club may instead prepare for a summer approach, allowing ample time for negotiations and adjustments within the squad. Smit is reportedly open to a move and views a transition to a larger European club as a natural progression in his career.

The midfield challenges faced by United have been apparent for several seasons, stemming from a mix of ageing players and an imbalanced squad structure. Casemiro, who will turn 34 next year, is beginning to show signs of physical decline, which has occasionally left the defense vulnerable. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes has frequently been required to play unfamiliar roles within the squad.

Kobbie Mainoo remains one of the club’s most promising midfield talents, but his limited playing time this season highlights the need for United to safeguard their young prospects rather than relying on them to fill significant gaps. With Mainoo possibly heading out on loan for further development, the squad risks losing even more depth. The absence of a specialized holding midfielder continues to hinder the team’s ability to exert control in crucial matches, which falls under the philosophy of manager Ruben Amorim.

The club’s ambition is evident: to transform the midfield from reactive disorder into proactive dominance. The Red Devils seek a player capable of anchoring possession, directing transitions, and re-establishing balance between their attacking drive and defensive solidity. Smit epitomizes this ideal profile, and the recruitment team views him as a foundational piece rather than a temporary fix.

Smit is widely recognized as one of the top midfielders to have emerged from AZ Alkmaar’s esteemed academy, known for producing intelligent and technically proficient talents. As a youth international for the Netherlands, he has captained teams above his age group and gained early senior football experience with Jong AZ in the Eerste Divisie. At just 19, he displays a level of composure and decision-making that surpasses many established professionals.

Primarily operating as a deep-lying midfielder, Smit excels at reading the game, protecting the back line, and dictating tempo with an impressive passing range. His ability to execute both short and progressive long balls positions him as a central figure in AZ’s buildup phases. As a result, comparisons have been made with fellow Dutch midfield orchestrators such as Frenkie de Jong, though Smit possesses a more naturally defensive instinct.

Manchester United faces the crucial decision of whether to expedite negotiations or risk being outmaneuvered by competitors. With Newcastle intensifying their approach and prominent European clubs showing interest, any hesitation could be detrimental. A summer transfer currently seems the most feasible scenario, allowing United the time needed to create roster space, address outgoing uncertainties, and refine their long-term midfield strategy.

For Smit, the upcoming months are pivotal as he contemplates his next destination and prepares for a potential leap into a major league. AZ is expected to maintain its valuation, aware that demand for the player continues to rise with each standout performance. Regardless of whether Smit ultimately joins Manchester United or another club, the competition to secure one of the Netherlands’ brightest midfield prospects is just beginning to intensify.