{"id":8202,"date":"2026-04-27T05:06:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T05:06:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news678.top\/?p=8202"},"modified":"2026-04-27T05:06:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T05:06:25","slug":"unique-talent-man-utds-52m-transfer-target-backed-to-become-the-new-frenkie-de-jong-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news678.top\/?p=8202","title":{"rendered":"‘Unique talent’ – Man Utd’s \u00a352m transfer target backed to become ‘the new Frenkie de Jong’ | Football"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\"AFC\t<\/div>
Rafael van der Vaart has spoken about Manchester United\u2019s transfer target (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rafael van der Vaart has labelled Kees Smit a \u2018unique talent\u2019, claiming the Manchester United-linked midfielder has the potential to become the new Frenkie de Jong.<\/p>\n

Smit enjoyed an eye-catching breakout season with AZ Alkmaar last term, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in Dutch football with a series of assured displays in the Eredivisie.<\/p>\n

The 20-year-old followed this up with a magnificent showing at last year\u2019s European Under-19 Championship, helping the Netherlands win the title while finishing as the top scorer and claiming the Player of the Tournament award.<\/p>\n

There was another significant milestone last month as Smit made his senior international debut in the Netherlands\u2019 2-1 win over Norway having been named in Ronald Koeman\u2019s squad for the first time.<\/p>\n

A report from The Athletic ahead of the January transfer window claimed Manchester United had been alerted to Smit\u2019s talent and were \u2018showing interest\u2019 in a potential deal, along with the likes of Barcelona, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s understood AZ Alkmaar have responded by slapping a hefty \u20ac60million (\u00a352m) price tag on their prized possession as they brace themselves for a possible bidding frenzy in the summer.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"Netherlands\t<\/div>
Smit made his senior Netherlands debut against Norway on Friday night (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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\n\t\t\"FC\t<\/div>
The young midfielder is enjoying a fine season with AZ Alkmaar (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After Smit\u2019s international debut against Norway, Dutch icon Van der Vaart told ESPN that the youngster\u2019s overall display was far from perfect in certain areas.<\/p>\n

However, the former Tottenham and Real Madrid star is glad to see Smit given an opportunity and believes the midfielder has the potential to be a key player for his country going forward.<\/p>\n

\u2018I think it\u2019s good that he\u2019s included because he is a unique talent that you have to groom to let take over at some point,\u2019 Van der Vaart said.<\/p>\n

\u2018You could clearly see that. He didn\u2019t play a top game, but he made a fine debut. <\/p>\n

\u2018There are few players who have been included in the squad for the first time and have been included in the starting line-up immediately.<\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ll see what happens. But he has the potential to become the new Frenkie de Jong.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"International\t<\/div>
The 20-year-old\u2019s playing style has been likened to that of fellow countryman De Jong (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Van der Vaart backed Smit to grow in confidence once he gets more experience under his belt in the international arena.<\/p>\n

\u2018I thought it was logical that he\u2019s included,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n

\u2018I also know there has been a lot of criticism, but I think that once he gets used to things a bit, we\u2019re going to get a lot of enjoyment out of him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"F1\t<\/div>
Ferdinand urged United to look at Smit earlier this year (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Smit\u2019s performances have also caught the attention of a certain Rio Ferdinand, who encouraged United to explore a possible deal for the Dutchman in a video on his YouTube channel in February.<\/p>\n

\u2018The are other midfielders in the market as well, a couple of young ones,\u2019 Ferdinand explained after discussing the pros and cons of United\u2019s two other midfield targets Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.<\/p>\n

\u2018Kees Smit, I like him a lot. If you don\u2019t know who he is, go and have a look at him, guys! Kees Smit is a player.<\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s a young midfielder, he can do a bit of everything really and he\u2019s performing to a very good standard.\u2019<\/p>\n

Smit\u2019s current contract with Alkmaar runs through to June 2028.<\/p>\n

For more stories like this,\u00a0check our sport page<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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