Manchester United targets the new “Pirlo” | OneFootball

Manchester United aims to snap up the next midfield maestro!

Manchester United targets the new “Pirlo”

For several weeks now, Manchester United have been engaged in internal discussions to bolster their midfield, and one name keeps cropping up: Kees Smit. According to Caught Offside, Christopher Vivell, United’s head of recruitment, has placed the young AZ Alkmaar midfielder right at the top of his summer wish list.

Vivell has reportedly already reached out to the player’s entourage to gauge his availability and interest in a move to Old Trafford. While talks remain informal at this stage, it’s a clear signal that United want to steal a march on their rivals, with Liverpool and several other European powerhouses also tracking the Dutch prodigy.

A move planned for 2025

While Manchester United have started to make their move, Smit’s arrival is not expected before the end of the current season. AZ Alkmaar, well aware of their 19-year-old midfielder’s rising value, would be willing to open the door for a suitable offer—thought to be in the region of £25 million. Vivell, meanwhile, is already preparing the groundwork for a pre-contract agreement as early as January, with the transfer to be finalized in the summer.