After a frustrating collapse against Leeds, Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea have dramatically entered the race for AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit, challenging Real Madrid’s £42m bid.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to spoil Real Madrid’s summer transfer plans. Despite the “familiar defensive naivety” shown in their recent 2-2 draw against Leeds United, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy is looking toward the future, targeting a player described as a “generational talent”: Kees Smit.
The 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar sensation has exploded onto the European radar this season. While Real Madrid believed they had a clear path after submitting a £42 million proposal, Chelsea’s financial muscle is now threatening to tilt the scales.
Why Chelsea Want the Dutch Prodigy
Liam Rosenior is building a young, possession-heavy squad, but the recent draw at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea blew a 2-0 lead highlighted the need for more composure in central areas.
Kees Smit is viewed as the ideal partner for Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo. The Netherlands U21 international has demonstrated a maturity beyond his years, consistently delivering high-level performances in the Eredivisie.
Kees Smit: Top Eredivisie Performances (2025/26):
- vs Sparta Rotterdam: 8.11/10 (Match Winner)
- vs FC Volendam: 7.78/10
- vs Ajax: 6.99/10 (Crucial 2-0 Win)
- Source: WhoScored
The “Big Money” Battle
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has already warned that signing Smit will not be cheap. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano hinted that the Spanish giants’ initial offer might fall short.
“40-45 million euros is not going to be enough; it’s going to be big money. It’s going to be a big battle for Kees Smit,” Romano stated.
London vs Madrid: The Deciding Factor
Chelsea’s strategy to beat Real Madrid hinges on one crucial promise: immediate first-team opportunities. While Real Madrid offers the prestige of the Santiago Bernabéu, Chelsea believe they can convince Smit that the Premier League is the better stage for his immediate development.
With AZ Alkmaar resigned to losing their “gem,” a bidding war between Todd Boehly’s Chelsea and Florentino Pérez’s Real Madrid could see the final fee skyrocket well beyond the £50m mark. For Rosenior, landing Smit would be a massive statement of intent as he looks to iron out the inconsistencies currently haunting his young Chelsea side.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
