Tottenham are keeping tabs on highly-rated talent from the Eredivisie.
Tottenham Hotspur did very well to back Roberto De Zerbi during the summer by bringing in ten new players as part of a major squad overhaul. It is fair to say that the North Londoners showed great ambition by signing Premier League-proven talents to make the squad competitive again.
After deciding against signing Joao Palhinha permanently from his former club Bayern Munich and the release of Yves Bissouma in the summer, the Hotspur Way chiefs made it one of their priorities to reshape the midfield department. They did a solid job signing Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes for a combined £185m fee.
Spurs’ search for another midfield addition in the summer saw them being linked to several talents. Back in June, reports suggested that Tottenham were offered the chance to sign AZ Alkmaar talent Kees Smit by his agents. The Lilywhites did not formalise their interest in the player, and he ended up staying with AZ Alkmaar.
Tottenham scouts watch Kees Smit in action in the Europa League
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham scouts watched Kees Smit in action for AZ Alkmaar against Sunderland in the Europa League last week. The youngster produced another eye-catching display in the middle of the park but couldn’t help his side snatch a point away from the Stadium of Light, as Enzo Le Fee’s late penalty won the game for the hosts.
The Dutchman has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfield talents over the past 18 months, and his performances in AZ Alkmaar colours have ensured he remains firmly on the radar of clubs across the continent. Smit has played a key role in AZ’s strong start to the Eredivisie season, with Leeroy Echteld’s side leading the table by two points after seven games.
The report adds that Liverpool, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa also watched the 20-year-old last Tuesday, which highlights the interest that has grown around the player. It is believed that any interested club would have to pay approximately €60m for his services, as AZ have no intention of losing their star player.
Spurs might need to act quickly if they are to land the one-cap Netherlands international in the coming months. Smit is a dynamic midfielder who can make an impact at both ends of the pitch. He can break the lines with his passing, has the ability to dribble out of tight spaces, read the game well and disrupt opposition attacks. At 20, he is extremely mature and has a bright future ahead in the game.
Tottenham’s interest in the AZ prodigy is particularly significant given their long-standing appreciation of the player, while the presence of so many other Premier League clubs at the Stadium of Light validates the high competition that could emerge should AZ decide to consider offers for the midfielder in January.
