The Peoples Person
·21 de março de 2026
Kees Smit: Pedri 2.0 tells Man United how to win his red-hot race

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Yahoo sportsThe Peoples Person
·21 de março de 2026

Kees Smit has sent INEOS a direct transfer message in his latest conversation with the media.
With Manchester United looking to replace Casemiro and, as per Centre Devils, frustrated Manuel Ugarte is eager to leave, the Red Devils are braced for a massive midfield overhaul.
A huge chunk of the Red Devils’ summer budget is set to be deployed by INEOS to assemble a formidable midfield capable of competing on multiple fronts.
Whilst marquee additions are expected, United will also be casting their net for exciting talents who will not command a fortune.
One exciting midfield talent United are thought to be eyeing is Smit.
The 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder is a man on the rise. His brilliance for the Eredivisie outfit has seen him dubbed the next Pedri by Ronald Koeman.
Much like the Barcelona star, Smit possesses the awareness to receive the ball in tight spaces and move it forward. He also positions himself strategically, rarely freezing under pressure; his decision-making, in particular, is superb.
So clearly, it is understandable why Barcelona and Real Madrid, much like the Manchester reds, would dearly love to bring him into their projects.
Smit has now responded to the transfer speculation surrounding him, doing so in a post-match conference with Ziggo Sport.
Asked what his ideal next step was, he responded:
“Basically, I just want to play a lot. That is important to me. Yeah, ideal step, I actually don’t know yet. So when I do know, then yes, I will tell you guys.”
When challenged that he could simply stay put at AZ, where he is guaranteed ample game time, he replied:
“Yes, that could also be possible. In principle, that could happen too, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
If United truly rate Smit, as has been suggested, it is now abundantly clear which card they must play to win this red-hot race.
Promising the Dutch wonderkid ample game time is entirely realistic at Old Trafford, given the scale of the midfield overhaul. If convinced of that, alongside the broader project at M16, it could yet prove the decisive factor in sealing the deal.
And with their very own Pedri in tow, the 20-time English champions could have found the ultimate Bruno Fernandes heir in Smit.
Featured image Daniel Jayo via Getty Images
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