Retaining Kees Smit: A Challenge for AZ in the Eredivisie

Retaining Kees Smit in the Eredivisie next summer poses a significant challenge for AZ Alkmaar. However, difficulty does not equate to impossibility.

Valentijn Driessen emphasizes that AZ must exert every effort to keep Smit at the AFAS Stadium. In a recent episode of De Oranjewinter, he stated: “All five major leagues and top clubs are indeed pursuing him. They have now enlisted a manager (Jorge Mendes) to facilitate his sale. I wonder why they would sell him at all. What is AZ’s actual sporting ambition? They seem to be in a cycle of continual sales.”

Hugo Borst previously expressed his views: “While it may be enticing for technical director Max Huiberts to conclude his tenure with a significant transfer for his resume, it would be prudent for Smit to remain in the Eredivisie for at least another season and a half. He should not leave this summer. There are too many egos and conflicting interests that could undermine his potential for a substantial profitable transfer. Huiberts is departing and undoubtedly desires to sell a player for sixty million euros. That is the reality. However, I believe it is a mistake to rush Smit into a move to Europe now. If that happens, he might be sold to Manchester City or Real Madrid at an inflated price. But what have they seen of him in the Netherlands? His achievements are minimal. He has made some impressive passes, and we all recognize his talent, but he has yet to prove himself.”

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