Real Madrid target confirms plan to leave current club – ‘Expect my transfer to be completed for €30m’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s long-standing interest in Kees Smit has gained fresh momentum after the Dutch midfielder openly addressed his future and all but confirmed that his time in the Netherlands is coming to an end. 

The 19-year-old, who has been closely monitored by Real Madrid for several months, has now publicly acknowledged that his next step will come sooner rather than later and crucially, it will be outside the Eredivisie.

Smit, currently a key figure at AZ Alkmaar, has emerged as one of the most talked-about young midfielders in Europe. 

His technical quality, intelligence on the ball, and ability to control the rhythm of games have not gone unnoticed, particularly in Madrid, where the club are still adjusting to life after the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. 

As reflected in previous reports, Real Madrid see Smit as a profile capable of adding balance, structure, and creativity to a midfield that is still evolving under Xabi Alonso.

Opening door to summer exit

Speaking to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf (h/t AS), Smit offered rare clarity on how he views his own future. 

Kees Smit is ready to leave AZ Alkmaar. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

The midfielder explained that his ambition has always been to test himself at the highest possible level and that he feels the time is approaching to take that leap.

“How long do I see myself at AZ? I think six months or a year and a half. After that, I hope to have taken the next step. 

“I expect my transfer to be completed for €30 million. It would be AZ’s most expensive signing and would be good for the club. 

“My next step is outside of the Netherlands. No, I don’t find it difficult to accept. In fact, I think it’s wonderful, and I’ve started thinking about it,” he said.

While his own valuation of €30 million contrasts with recent reports suggesting AZ are holding out for a significantly higher fee, his comments reinforce the idea that a transfer is inevitable rather than speculative.