Promising midfielder opens doors to Barcelona move – ‘If they ask me to negotiate, I’m totally willing’ | OneFootball

AZ Alkmaar starlet Kees Smit is regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe.

The 20-year-old is tipped to leave the Dutch club in the upcoming transfer window, and several top clubs, including FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, have been credited with an interest in the player.

In fact, former Barça head coach and current Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has hailed the youngster as “a player for Barcelona” and described him as “a mix between De Jong and Pedri.”

Smit hints at Barcelona move?

Now, Smit has seemingly dropped a hint about a potential transfer to Barcelona from AZ in the future.

The 20-year-old starlet played his part as his team won the 2025/26 Dutch Cup earlier this month. And, the title will be celebrated in Barcelona, which led to his light-hearted quip about a potential transfer to the Catalan club.

Open to Barcelona move. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

“If they ask me to negotiate, I am totally willing to do so. Of course, I have time for it,” Smit told ESPN (h/t MARCA), while celebrating the cup victory.

“It’s the only way to celebrate with the group for a while, but then we have two more games. We’ll have a great time there,” he said about the trip to Barcelona.

While the comment was made in jest, it must be remembered that Smit has previously spoken openly about his admiration for Barcelona.

However, at this moment, signing a new midfielder is not a priority for the Catalans, even more so with Smit expected to cost a sum of around €50 million in the summer.

The statements, though, are unlikely to go down well at Real Madrid, who have been keen on signing the youngster.