Kees Smit: Real Madrid ready to offer €50m for Manchester United target | OneFootball

Manchester United secured a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Crystal Palace on Sunday and have now moved up to seventh in the Premier League.

The Red Devils lacked control in the first half and subsequently fell behind. However, they stepped up their efforts after the break, with Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount securing all three points.

Bruno Fernandes set up both goals and now leads the league’s assist charts, even though he has been operating in a deeper midfield role this season.

Despite the Portuguese maestro’s inspired form, the English giants are already looking to strengthen the position in 2026, with an eye on the future. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person has named AZ Alkmaar starlet Kees Smit as an option.

A star in the making

Smit rose through the ranks at the Dutch club before breaking into the senior side in 2024. Such has been his rise that the 19 year old is already a first-team regular for Alkmaar.

This season, the Dutchman has made 22 appearances across competitions, 18 of which have been starts.

Kees Smit Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

The player’s style of play has already drawn comparisons with Barcelona star Pedri, making him even more enticing for United.

With Fernandes on the wrong side of 30 and Kobbie Mainoo heavily linked with an exit in 2026, the Red Devils need a new controller in the middle of the park.

Smit’s attributes make him a stellar option for the job, and the Premier League giants have reportedly offered €25 million for his signature. However, it now appears that Real Madrid are planning to hijack the deal.

Real Madrid want Smit

According to Fichajes, Real Madrid are planning to offer €50 million to win the race for Smit. The LaLiga giants aim to strengthen their midfield in 2026 and have zeroed in on the teenager.

Los Blancos are reportedly impressed by the Dutch midfielder’s ability to distribute the ball and recover possession. Kees has also been identified as a more affordable alternative to Adam Wharton or Angelo Stiller.

Real Madrid have already reserved funds for the move and are ready to go all out to beat the competition. The developments will not please INEOS, whose reported offer falls significantly short of Los Blancos’ proposal.

Final Thoughts

Kees has shown maturity beyond his years, and United need to sign more than one midfielder in 2026, especially since Casemiro is out of contract next summer, so this move makes sense.

Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo’s future continues to hang in the balance, so the Premier League giants may have to inject a shot of youth in midfield if the Englishman ends up leaving.

As such, the Red Devils are unlikely to give up on the Dutchman without a fight. United have previously beaten Real Madrid in the race for Leny Yoro, and there’s no reason why they cannot repeat the feat for Smit.

Featured image Daniel Jayo via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social