Crystal Palace are making bold moves in the transfer market as they prepare to challenge the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea for the signature of highly-rated Dutch wonderkid Kees Smit, according to reports from the Daily Mail.
The Eagles have big ambitions, and this potential swoop could mark a significant turning point in their recruitment strategy as they look to build a squad capable of competing with the Premier League elite.
Still just 19 years old, Kees Smit is already attracting comparisons to elite midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne and Frenkie de Jong. A product of AZ Alkmaar’s academy, Smit first made headlines in 2023 when he scored an audacious 50-yard goal against Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League — a moment that instantly went viral and showcased his vision, technique, and confidence.
He followed up that breakthrough performance by leading the Netherlands to victory in the UEFA U19 Championship, where he was named Player of the Tournament and finished as joint-top scorer. Since then, his stock has soared, with scouts from Europe’s biggest clubs closely monitoring his development.
While battling with continental giants may seem like a long shot, Crystal Palace believe they have a real shot at landing Smit by offering a more direct and realistic pathway to first-team football. With game time and development often limited at global superclubs, the Eagles hope to convince the teenager that Selhurst Park is the ideal launchpad for a long-term top-level career.
Palace have already demonstrated their ability to nurture young talent — Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and more recently Adam Wharton are all prime examples of the club’s growing reputation as a development hub.
Palace’s pursuit of Kees Smit also ties into their long-term planning, as midfield star Adam Wharton is widely expected to depart next summer. Both Chelsea and Real Madrid are reportedly keen on the England international, and Palace are keen to secure a quality replacement early, with Smit fitting the profile perfectly.
While Real Madrid and Manchester United will likely have the financial muscle and global brand appeal, Palace’s pitch focuses on opportunity, progression, and Premier League exposure — elements that many young players are now prioritizing over prestige alone.
With the January window on the horizon, and summer planning already in motion, this is a transfer story to watch closely.
Kees Smit represents the new generation of intelligent, technically gifted midfielders with a knack for the spectacular. Whether he chooses the glitz of Madrid or Manchester, or the exciting project brewing at Selhurst Park, one thing is clear — Crystal Palace mean business.
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