Staying put! Kees Smit snubs Barcelona and Real Madrid to sign new AZ Alkmaar deal

One of Europe's most wanted young midfielders has decided to stay home. Kees Smit has ended speculation about his future by signing a new long-term contract with AZ Alkmaar, keeping him at the AFAS Stadion until 2030.

Details: According to Voetbal International, the 20-year-old Dutch midfielder has agreed a two-year extension to his previous deal, which was due to expire in 2028. Smit had attracted serious interest from some of the biggest clubs on the continent, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid all tracking his progress over the past year. The Dutch club had previously valued their academy graduate at around €60 million, a fee that would have set a new record for a transfer from the Eredivisie. Despite that price tag and the persistent rumours, no concrete offer materialised during the summer, and AZ have now moved decisively to tie down their prized asset.

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The decision marks a significant show of faith from both parties. Smit, who joined AZ's famed academy at just nine years old, has developed into a key figure for the Alkmaar side, wearing the number 10 shirt and making 84 appearances for the first team, scoring seven goals and providing 14 assists. He made his Netherlands debut last season under then-manager Ronald Koeman and was considered a strong candidate for the World Cup squad. AZ's sporting leadership were reportedly determined to keep Smit for at least another season, believing that his development would benefit from regular first-team football in familiar surroundings before taking the next step in his career. The midfielder's agent, the influential Jorge Mendes, had been exploring options, but the player's camp ultimately agreed that remaining in Alkmaar was the right move for now.

It's worth noting that Smit's renewal comes as a major boost to AZ's ambitions this season. The club currently sit atop the Eredivisie after a blistering start to the campaign, winning their opening six matches. Under head coach Leeroy Echteld, the Cheese Farmers have been in imperious form, and securing Smit's long-term future is a statement of intent that they intend to challenge for silverware both domestically and in Europe. For a player rated at €25 million by Transfermarkt, the new deal until 2030 also protects AZ's negotiating position should any of the interested giants return with a serious bid in the future.

Reminder: €60 million and a record transfer! Real Madrid discovers talent in the Netherlands.