Report: Spurs track top Dutch talent after standout Euros | OneFootball

Tottenham Enter Race for Dutch Star Kees Smit

Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their interest in highly-rated Dutch midfielder Kees Smit, according to an exclusive report from TBR Football. The 19-year-old prodigy has been on the radar of several top clubs across Europe, but Spurs and Chelsea appear to be leading the charge for his signature.

Dutch Crown Jewel Drawing Continental Attention

Kees Smit has emerged as one of the brightest young midfielders in European football. Described by TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey as “one of the crown jewels of Dutch football,” the AZ Alkmaar talent has had a breakthrough season, making 43 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

His stock rose further this summer as he spearheaded the Netherlands U21 side to a historic European Championship win. His performances were so commanding that he was named Player of the Tournament, a feat that has only intensified interest in his services.

Spurs Scouts Watching Smit Closely

Tottenham technical director Johan Lange has reportedly been following Smit for months, with both Spurs and Chelsea sending scouts to watch him in action during the recent U19 Euros in Romania. As TBR Football notes, “Both London clubs were in Romania to keep checks on Smit… they would have certainly not been disappointed with his displays.”

Photo: IMAGO

With his current deal at AZ Alkmaar running until 2028, the Dutch side are under no immediate pressure to sell. But with interest now coming from the Premier League’s elite — including Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and even Aston Villa — the battle for Smit’s signature could heat up quickly.

Smit Responds to Transfer Talk

Speaking to Ziggo Sport after the tournament, Smit joked about his potential transfer fee, saying:“Well, more, I think. Maybe five or 10 million more.”When asked about the speculation surrounding his future, he offered a composed and mature reply:“I read a lot of things and see big clubs passing by, that’s cool. I have to think carefully about what I’m going to do, but I think I’ll stay at AZ.”

He added: “The most important thing is that I play football as much as possible, play, get better. Because I can still be a lot better.”

Despite his composed words, there’s growing belief that a Premier League move could be imminent if the right offer comes in

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From a Tottenham supporter’s standpoint, this report should excite fans looking for long-term midfield reinforcements. Kees Smit appears to offer exactly the type of profile Thomas Frank values — technically sound, tactically flexible, and already showing elite-level temperament at just 19.

Spurs have lacked a natural ball-progressing midfielder who can operate across multiple zones, especially since the departures of Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembélé. If Smit can develop into that mould, the long-term benefits could be massive.

It’s telling that Johan Lange has been tracking him for months, highlighting the seriousness of the interest. With a structured development plan and first-team opportunities, Smit could be tempted by Spurs’ growing reputation for nurturing young talent — seen most recently with Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr.

Of course, competition is fierce, and Chelsea’s interest — along with that of Liverpool and European heavyweights like Bayern and Madrid — complicates matters. But Tottenham’s interest seems genuine and well-planned, not reactionary. If the club can move decisively, especially with Champions League football now back in play, they could have a real shot.

Landing Smit would be a statement of intent from Daniel Levy and co — a signing for the present and the future.