Chelsea have been focused on signing top young talents from around Europe since their change in ownership, largely overlooking experienced players in the process. The fans are hoping that that stops soon because this team clearly needs some experience and leadership if they want to compete for the biggest prizes in football. Yet, if the recent transfer rumours are anything to go by, it looks like the Blues are content with their strategy.
This summer, we have seen them sign Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, while a Jamie Gittens deal is agreed as well. And now, it appears they could look into signing a 19-year-old Dutch midfielder.
As reported by TBR Football, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are among the sides trying to sign Kees Smit. The likes of Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Marseille have an eye on him as well.
Smit is believed to have a contract with AZ Alkmaar until the summer of 2028. But when Premier League clubs come calling, that rarely matters. The same can be said about teams like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Chelsea and Tottenham keen to sign Dutch midfielder
Capable of playing in several positions across midfield, it was last season that Smit broke into the first-team picture at AZ. Of course, his numbers at the senior level won't be catching any eyes just yet but clearly he has shown enough potential to draw the attenion of some of world football's biggest teams.
When it comes to Chelsea, one always has to question where the place is in the team for a player like Smit. They have played like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Andrey Santos, Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku and more for the three midfield spots.
Chelsea do not always sign players with the aim of them making it to the senior team though. If things don't work out at Stamford Bridge, they can still be moved on at a transfer profit on the back of positive loan spells.