Kees Smit says late AZ decision ended Real Madrid transfer hopes

AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit says he chose to remain with the Dutch club after a conversation with coach Lee-Roy Echteld, despite strong links with a move to Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.

Smit, who is now 20, had been heavily linked with the Spanish giants after an impressive 2025-26 campaign. He scored five goals and supplied nine assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, performances which brought him to the attention of several of Europe’s leading clubs.

Real Madrid were reported to be the most prominent side monitoring the AZ Alkmaar youngster. However, Smit ultimately opted to continue his development in the Netherlands with his boyhood club.

The midfielder said his decision was influenced by discussions with Echteld, who made clear that AZ wanted him to stay.

“To be honest, at first I had the feeling that I was going to leave, but then it turned out that the coach really wanted me to stay,” he said, as quoted by AS. “I feel good here, surrounded by friends and family. That’s why I stayed.”

Smit added that AZ Alkmaar later made it clear that they would not sanction his departure. A further conversation took place 10 days before his comments, after which the club firmly closed the door on a possible transfer.

“Ten days ago I had a conversation and then AZ didn’t want to let me go anymore,” Smit added. “I took it positively, because I feel like I’m not done here yet.”

The decision means Smit will remain at the club where he began his career, despite the attention generated by his performances and the speculation surrounding his future.

He also admitted that he initially followed the transfer reports closely, before deciding to distance himself from the coverage. Smit said some of the claims were inaccurate, but that he had been able to manage the interest without difficulty.

“At first I read a lot, but then I started to do it less.

“Because some things are not true either. I can cope with it quite well. In short, I’m here and I’m happy to be here.”

Smit’s comments offer an explanation for why he did not pursue a move during the summer window, with his immediate focus remaining on AZ Alkmaar rather than a transfer to Real Madrid.

His decision followed a season in which his contribution was measured not only by his five goals but also by the nine assists he recorded in 46 matches. Those numbers helped attract interest from across Europe, but the conversations with Echteld and AZ’s eventual refusal to let him leave persuaded Smit that his next step should come with the Dutch club.