According to Sport, Dutch midfielder Smit has extended his contract with AZ Alkmaar through 2030, significantly complicating Barcelona and Real Madrid's efforts to sign him.

Barcelona's midfield currently has considerable depth, with Pedri, Rodri, Bernal, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong all in the squad. However, Deco and his team continue to scout new options and potential talents, with approval from Hansi Flick.

The 20-year-old Smit currently plays for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie and made his senior international debut during Ronald Koeman's final matches as Netherlands coach. Koeman noted the similarities between Smit and Pedri, prompting Dutch media to label him the "Dutch Pedri."

Smit's dream of wearing a Barcelona shirt now appears dashed. Voetbal International reported that AZ Alkmaar blocked his transfer during the summer window in August, with the club and player engaged in months of negotiations over the matter.

Both sides gradually moved closer, eventually reaching an agreement. Smit has extended his contract through 2030, joining Per Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst as standout talents from AZ Alkmaar's youth academy.

This extension does not mean Smit will remain at AZ Alkmaar until 2030, but interested clubs now face more complex negotiations. AZ Alkmaar is no longer as eager to sell Smit and has been reluctant to let him go from the start.

Barcelona is not the only Spanish giant interested in Smit; Real Madrid has also placed him on their watchlist. Real Madrid has been seeking a midfielder capable of controlling the game, dictating tempo, and orchestrating attacks—qualities that match Smit's skill set.

Smit's ability to drive forward with the ball and contribute to attacking play, combined with his youth, makes him an attractive prospect for clubs still seeking midfield solutions.

Following his contract extension through 2030, both Barcelona and Real Madrid must reassess whether it is worth pursuing a player still developing at the highest level.

Smit remains a player worth monitoring in European football. His development at AZ Alkmaar and his early steps with the Dutch national team will determine whether the "Dutch Pedri" tag is merely media hyperbole or a genuine indicator of his rise to the elite. For now, Smit will continue his development at AZ Alkmaar, and Barcelona can only watch from afar.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

Situs web AF kini hadir! Lihat berita lengkap, komentar, detail pertandingan, dan statistik di komputer Anda. Kunjungi: www.allfootballapp.com