Kees Smit Explains Why He Turned Down a Big Move to Stay at AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar Midfielder Kees Smit Stays Put Despite Real Madrid Interest

Kees Smit, the promising midfielder from AZ Alkmaar, has shared why he declined a high-profile transfer during the summer window, opting to continue his career in the Eredivisie rather than moving to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s Search for Midfield Talent

Throughout the recent transfer window, Real Madrid was keen on strengthening their midfield. Although they signed Bernardo Silva and young talent Sergio Martinez, the club still looked for additional reinforcements.

One major target was Rodri, the World Cup-winning Spanish captain, but after he joined rivals Barcelona, Madrid turned their attention elsewhere. Among the candidates considered was AZ Alkmaar’s 20-year-old starlet Kees Smit.

Coach’s Influence Changed Smit’s Mind

In an interview with AZ Alkmaar’s official media, Smit revealed that initially, he expected to leave. However, the intervention of head coach Lee-Roy Echteld convinced him to stay.

“To be honest, at first I thought I was going to leave, but then it became clear the coach really wanted me to remain,” Smit said. “I feel good here, surrounded by friends and family. That’s why I stayed.”

Smit also mentioned that near the end of the transfer window, AZ made it clear they would not let him go.

“Ten days ago I had a talk, and then AZ didn’t want to let me go anymore,” he added. “I took it positively because I feel like I’m not finished here yet.”

Ignoring Transfer Rumors

Facing intense media attention from both Spain and the Netherlands, Smit chose to distance himself from the transfer speculation.

“At first I read a lot about it, but then I started reading less because some things weren’t true,” he explained. “I can handle it pretty well. Simply put, I’m here and I’m happy to be here.”

Focused on Growth in the Eredivisie

Now that the transfer window is closed, Smit is concentrating fully on his development at AFAS Stadion. Staying in familiar surroundings offers him the first-team opportunities needed to progress under Echteld’s guidance.

His early season performances back this up: fresh from helping AZ win the KNVB Cup last season, Smit starred as AZ crushed PSV Eindhoven 4-0 to claim the Johan Cruyff Shield in the new campaign's opener.

If he keeps performing at this level in the Dutch top flight, it’s likely that top clubs, including Real Madrid, will come calling again. For now, the young midfielder aims to lead AZ’s domestic campaign and prepare for a major step forward in his career.

• LaLiga Match: Real Betis vs Real Madrid on 4 Sept 2026, 21:00
• Eredivisie Match: AZ Alkmaar vs SC Heerenveen on 6 Sept 2026, 14:30