VfB Stuttgart is monitoring AZ Alkmaar's Dutch midfielder Kees Smit and faces significant competition from across Europe. Fellow Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and Monaco from Ligue 1 have also expressed interest. Newcastle United is reportedly leading the pursuit for the player. Several other Premier League sides, including Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Liverpool, have also been approached regarding Smit's availability. Real Madrid and Barcelona have made inquiries.
Stuttgart is among the clubs understood to believe they can offer the 20-year-old a platform for development while competing at a high level. AZ Alkmaar will likely demand €60m (£52m) for Smit, who is said to be open to a move but is determined not to rush into a decision. AZ also still hopes to retain the midfielder for at least another season. The Netherlands international, who has one cap, is under contract until 2028 and has a current Transfermarkt market value of €25.00m. During the 2025/2026 Eredivisie season, he registered 3 goals and 3 assists in 26 appearances. In February 2026, Real Madrid reportedly submitted a €50 million offer.
