Kees Smit has revealed why he turned down a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid this summer, choosing to remain at AZ Alkmaar despite the Spanish club's interest in reinforcing their midfield. The 20-year-old Dutch midfielder attracted attention from Los Blancos as they searched for alternatives after missing out on other targets, but ultimately committed his future to the Eredivisie outfit following crucial conversations with his current club.
Madrid's Midfield Hunt and Smit's Appeal
Real Madrid actively pursued midfield additions throughout the transfer window. While the club secured Bernardo Silva from Manchester City and young prospect Sergio Martinez, they remained in the market for further reinforcements. Their initial target, Spain's World Cup-winning captain Rodri, instead joined Barcelona, forcing the Spanish giants to explore other avenues. Smit emerged as a prominent candidate on their shortlist, valued for his potential to make an immediate impact at the Bernabéu.
The AZ academy product initially expected to leave Netherlands this summer. Speaking to AZ Alkmaar's official media, Smit explained: "To be honest, at first I had the feeling that I was going to leave, but then it turned out that the coach really wanted me to stay." Head coach Lee-Roy Echteld's intervention proved decisive in shifting the midfielder's perspective toward remaining in Amsterdam.
The Turning Point in Contract Talks
Smit disclosed that AZ management made their position clear approximately ten days before the transfer window closed. "I had a conversation and then AZ didn't want to let me go anymore," he said. "I took it positively, because I feel like I'm not done here yet." This firm stance from the club, combined with the player's comfort in his current surroundings, outweighed the allure of a move to European football's elite level.
The teenager navigated considerable media scrutiny as speculation dominated headlines across Spain and the Netherlands. However, Smit successfully managed the noise: "At first I read a lot, but then I started to do it less. Because some things are not true either. I can cope with it quite well."
Remaining at the AFAS Stadion ensures Smit continues developing with regular first-team football under Echteld's guidance. His start to the campaign vindicated this decision—he featured prominently as AZ demolished PSV Eindhoven 4-0 to win the Johan Cruyff Shield. Should the midfielder maintain this form in the Dutch top flight this season, Real Madrid and rival European clubs will inevitably return with renewed offers.
