Rio Ferdinand Advocates for Manchester United to Target AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has publicly encouraged his old club to explore a transfer move for AZ Alkmaar's rising star Kees Smit. Ferdinand believes the 20-year-old Dutch midfielder could be an excellent addition to United's squad, describing him as a player who can "do a bit of everything."
United's Midfield Search Continues
Manchester United's search for midfield reinforcements has been ongoing since last summer when the club prioritized overhauling their attack with signings including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko for approximately £200 million combined. Despite these offensive additions, the Red Devils have continued to seek a deep-lying midfielder to complement their existing options.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Brighton's Carlos Baleba were reportedly at the top of United's shortlist. Brighton CEO Tony Bloom confirmed that United made an approach for Baleba but "went away" when informed the Cameroonian would only be sold for an astronomical fee.
Ferdinand's Analysis of Potential Targets
On his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, the United legend analyzed the club's midfield options. While acknowledging both Anderson and Wharton as quality players, Ferdinand expressed particular enthusiasm for Anderson's potential fit at Old Trafford.
"Elliot Anderson, I would love to have him at the football club, 100 percent," Ferdinand stated. "His energy, his physicality... I think he would be a great signing. He knows the league."
Regarding Wharton, Ferdinand noted potential concerns about similarity to United's young star Kobbie Mainoo, suggesting the pairing might lack sufficient physicality in midfield.
The Kees Smit Alternative
Ferdinand then introduced Smit as a compelling alternative, praising the AZ Alkmaar youngster who enjoyed an outstanding breakout season in the Eredivisie last term.
"Kees Smit, I like him a lot," Ferdinand emphasized. "If you don't know who he is, go and have a look at him, guys! Kees Smit is a player. He's a young midfielder, he can do a bit of everything really and he's performing to a very good standard."
Recent reports from The Athletic indicate United have shown interest in Smit, alongside European giants Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and Newcastle United. However, AZ Alkmaar have placed a substantial €60 million (£52 million) valuation on their prized asset and appear in no hurry to sell.
Smit's Current Situation and Future Prospects
The Netherlands Under-21 international has reaffirmed his commitment to AZ Alkmaar until at least the end of the current season, with his boyhood club sitting fifth in the Eredivisie and competing in the Europa Conference League.
When questioned about transfer rumors in January, Smit told ESPN: "I know how it is. I don't want to say much about it. A move is definitely not going to happen this winter. I will 100 percent stay here at AZ. It's great that it's a big fee, of course, but I mainly want to focus on football. We'll see what happens."
Smit's current contract with AZ Alkmaar runs through June 2028, giving the Dutch club significant negotiating power should serious offers materialize this summer.
Ferdinand's Final Verdict
Despite his enthusiasm for Smit, Ferdinand maintained that if Manchester United secure Champions League qualification, they should prioritize signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
"I wouldn't be disappointed in seeing him in a Manchester United shirt next year," Ferdinand said of Anderson. "He would cost a hell of a lot of money but if we get Champions League then we've got to make it happen."
As Manchester United continue their midfield search under new management following Ruben Amorim's dismissal, Ferdinand's recommendations highlight the ongoing debate about how best to strengthen the squad for future campaigns.
