Manchester United ready to move for AZ Alkmaar midfielder | OneFootball

Man United Step Up Kees Smit Pursuit as Rebuild Intensifies

Midfield Vision for a New Era

Manchester United’s intent to secure teenage sensation Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar sends a clear message — the rebuild at Old Trafford is not only underway but targeting the roots. As reported by TBR Football, Jason Wilcox is prepared to go all in on the 19-year-old midfielder, widely regarded as the standout talent in the Eredivisie this season.

United’s 15th-place Premier League finish last campaign was both humbling and unacceptable. It left INEOS and Wilcox no choice but to act decisively. “The Red Devils basically need to reconstruct large chunks of their squad to catapult themselves back into the upper echelons of English football after a desperate campaign,” and it’s clear that youth is a cornerstone of that plan.

INEOS Focus on Tomorrow’s Stars

United’s recent transfer activity may look thin on paper — Matheus Cunha the only major signing, and the Bryan Mbeumo pursuit dragging — but there’s been quiet success in cornering the market for elite youth. Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, Chido Martin, and now Paraguayan teenager Diego Leon are all part of this long-term strategy.

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Smit could soon follow. “Already described as a ‘total footballer’ by Voetbal Primeur, he boasts brilliant technical ability in the midfield, having drawn comparisons to current United star Bruno Fernandes and Tottenham’s James Maddison.” United’s midfield of the future may already be taking shape.

Wilcox’s Race Against Europe

With Real Madrid also circling, Wilcox is not just scouting talent, he’s fighting time. “Now, according to TBR Football, United have been tracking his progress and are now reportedly ready to launch a firm move for his services this summer.” There’s urgency in the tone, perhaps desperation after last season’s collapse.

Smit, fresh from winning the Under-19s European Championship with the Netherlands, featured 30 times for AZ last season and scored twice. These aren’t just numbers. They are the makings of a player ready for a bigger stage.

Midfield Revolution in Motion

United need more than potential. They need production and polish. But with Smit, they may get both in time. “Man Utd ready to make Kees Smit approach,” reads the telling final line. One that could define not just a window but an era under Wilcox.

Our View – EPL Index

Finally, it looks like United have a plan. After years of wasteful spending and short-term solutions, this pursuit of Kees Smit feels like a step in the right direction. The idea of building around young, technically gifted players like Smit is exactly what fans have been crying out for.

That said, excitement comes with caution. United have missed out on similar talents before, especially when Real Madrid are sniffing around. It’s encouraging to see Wilcox pushing hard, but fans will want to see that firm offer come sooner rather than later.

Smit’s comparison to Maddison and Bruno is bold, but if he’s half the player either is, this could be a steal. Given he’s already got 30 games in the Eredivisie and is a European champion at youth level, it feels like the perfect time to strike.

Now it’s up to United to actually get this one over the line. Another failure in the market, especially with midfield depth still thin, would be a brutal blow. But if they pull this off, it could be one of the smartest moves of the summer.