Chelsea leading Liverpool and Man United in race to sign the 'next Kevin De Bruyne'

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Credit: Napoli X Sat 13 December 2025 6:00, UK Chelsea are now reportedly the front-runners to sign AZ Alkmaar starlet Kees Smit amid interest in his services from numerous Premier League rivals.Smit has attracted attention from some of the world’s biggest clubs for his standout performances in the Eredivisie for Alkmaar.The 19-year-old midfielder registered two goals and two assists in 30 appearances last season, and has improved further to start regularly this term, with two goals and five assists in 25 outings.Newcastle have been linked to Smit and are weighing up a January approach for his services as Eddie Howe aims to lower the average age of his midfield options.Football Insider recently revealed that Liverpool have joined the race to sign Smit as Arne Slot knows him well, but there is now a belief that Chelsea are set to seal his signature ahead of the competition.Credit: ImagoChelsea ‘very keen’ on Smit amid £30m offer talkSmit has been compared to Kevin De Bruyne for his impressive range of passing and ability to drive play forward at speed from midfield.According to a new report from iNews, Chelsea have now entered the race for the 19-year-old and are emerging as the front-runners to land him if Alkmaar receive an offer they are happy to accept. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES The Blues are believed to be “very keen” on Smit and so are ready to rival Newcastle and Liverpool for his signature, with Manchester United and Tottenham also named as interested clubs.Smit’s camp has reportedly spoken with Chelsea chiefs, but it is unclear whether they will make a move in January with a quiet winter transfer window thought to be on the horizon.Offers of over £30million from Premier League clubs may force AZ to decide on his future, with Newcastle pondering a mid-season move for Smit as they think he may not be attainable at the end of the season.Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has compared Smit to PedriSmit has faced Premier League opposition this season, as Alkmaar took on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Conference League last month, with the hosts winning 3-1.He may have been compared to De Bruyne for his ability to take players on at speed and thread through inch-perfect passes, but Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman picked out Pedri as the player he sees him most alike to in a recent interview.He said: “I have to be careful with what I say, but I coached Pedri at Barcelona and I see a lot of similarities in Kees Smit.“The changes of direction, the use of both feet, the game vision… these are things I observed in Pedri back then.“If he reaches half of what Pedri achieved in his career, we’ll all be happy.

The resemblance people see (with Pedri) is in how he positions himself and his decision-making under pressure.“Big clubs follow players with these characteristics. What is important is that he continues developing where he is, playing regularly.“It remains to be seen where the 19-year-old will end up next, but Chelsea fans will surely be excited to see him linked to their club, considering his clear talent and potential to become a top player in the years to come.