Niels van Duinen stated in conversation with Voetbal International that talks are ongoing about a longer stay for 20-year-old Dutch central midfielder Kees Smit at AZ. After a cup win, Kees Smit told Rodi Media that he might stay another year at AZ. Van Duinen said that Kees has spoken about this himself and that he has read that too, adding that he sees that as something positive and that they have already talked to him about this. Smit is under contract with AZ for two more years. Van Duinen expressed a desire to extend that contract. The Netherlands international has one cap for his country and made 26 appearances in the 2025/2026 Eredivisie season, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists. According to Transfermarkt, Smit has a current market value of €25.00m. He has been linked with several clubs, including FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Liverpool.