Manchester United are accelerating their scouting of AZ Alkmaar midfield sensation Keith Smit, with the club seeing the 19-year-old as a potential cornerstone of their long-term rebuild, according to a report from CentreDevils.
The Dutch star has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders and is attracting significant attention across the Premier League, with AZ Alkmaar expected to ask around £25 million to part ways with their prized academy graduate.
Already a Dutch youth international, Smit has been on a rapid rise since breaking through in the UEFA Youth League and then being promoted to AZ’s first team.
Keith Smit has fans in the Premier League too.
His technical qualities, resistance to the press and excellent vision led him to be compared to Europe’s leading midfielders.
Scouts across Europe have been impressed not only with his possession ability, but also with his tactical intelligence and maturity beyond his years, attributes that have caught United’s attention.
Manchester United’s Premier League rivals Liverpool are also interested in signing the Dutch sensation, making the race even more exciting.
Sources say Manchester United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Wivell, has already discussed Smit internally, highlighting him as one of the most complete young midfield profiles currently on the market.
Vibel and the club’s scouting team have reportedly closely monitored Smit throughout the season and see him as the ideal long-term addition to United’s midfield, which has lacked consistency, control and durability.
Manchester United are looking for a versatile midfielder
Smit’s versatility is also a big draw for United. Comfortable both as a deep playmaker and in a more advanced role, he excels at advancing the ball, receiving under pressure, and determining tempo.
With Casemiro nearing the twilight years of his career, Manuel Ugarte still adjusting and Coby Mainu struggling to emerge, there is a clear path for the young, technically gifted midfielder to become a central figure in United’s future plans.
Whether they can beat their rivals against Europe’s brightest teenage midfielder will depend on both timing and decision-making, but Old Trafford’s intentions are clear, the rebuilding of their midfield has begun and Smit is one of the names they believe could shape the next era.
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