Barcelona may not be actively prioritising a midfield signing, but the club continue to monitor the market for opportunities, and one name gaining attention is Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar.
As it turns out, Barcelona could soon find themselves in a potentially favourable situation involving the Dutch talent.
This is because the player could reportedly leave his current club for a minimal fee if the right project presents itself, making him an attractive option despite midfield reinforcements not being a top priority.
Most-wanted talent
Smit’s rise has not gone unnoticed across Europe. Alongside Barcelona, Real Madrid are also keeping a close eye on his development, while several Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation.
His growing reputation suggests he could soon become one of the most talked-about young players in the transfer market.
The situation at AZ Alkmaar, however, could prove decisive, as Dutch journalist Arno Vermeulen has raised concerns about the club’s potential valuation strategy, warning that overpricing the player could backfire.
Speaking on Studio Voetbal (h/t SPORT), he pointed out,
“Whether it’s €60 million, €50 million or €40million: if AZ set the price too high… they may end up having to settle for a lower figure,” he began saying.
He went even further, highlighting a possible scenario where the club could lose control of the situation entirely.
Barcelona are keeping tabs on Kees Smit. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
“If AZ ask for too much money, Smit could leave for a few hundred thousand.”
The warning is linked to wider legal developments in European football.
Vermeulen referenced the implications of the “Diarra case”, explaining how recent rulings have strengthened players’ ability to challenge their contractual situations if they feel blocked from progressing.
“The European court has ruled. The focus is on the worker. If the player does not see his situation as viable, he can go to arbitration,” he added.
This opens the door to a scenario where Smit could potentially force an exit for a significantly reduced fee if negotiations stall.
“He could terminate his contract for a few hundred thousand and leave on a free transfer to clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid or Barcelona,” he added.
For Barcelona, this presents a clear opportunity.
While midfield may not be an urgent need, securing a highly rated young talent at a reduced cost fits perfectly with the club’s current transfer strategy.
