Barcelona midfield target likened to Pedri now has price tag, Real Madrid also closely following – Report | OneFootball

A certain player who has managed to catch the eye of FC Barcelona in recent months is Kees Smit. Aged just 19, the young Dutch midfielder has continuously impressed at club level for AZ Alkmaar and is now attracting interest from several major European clubs.

Among those European sides is Barça as well, who see the player as a special kind of midfield talent. Furthermore, Real Madrid are also closely following him.

In fact, former Barça legend and coach Ronald Koeman has also praised the youngster quite a lot, even drawing comparisons to Pedri:

“I have to be careful with what I say, but I coached Pedri at Barcelona, and I see things from him in Kees Smit. The turns, using both feet, his vision of the game… It’s what I saw in Pedri back then. What he’s showing at such a young age is impressive.”

Moreover, according to Sky Sport (via SPORT), the asking price for the young Dutch player has now been revealed as well. As it stands currently, AZ Alkmaar would be willing to part ways with him for around €25 million.

While it is not a low price, it is not absurdly high in today’s market either. Considering his quality and composure despite his young age, this is a player who could prove to be a top investment for the future.

However, considering Barça’s financial troubles and their own difficulties in terms of signing players or even registering them, perhaps Kees Smit might not be a priority target for now. Interestingly, however, the youngster himself has previously confessed that Barça is his dream club:

“I watch almost all Barcelona matches. It’s simply my favourite club.”