Manchester United are reportedly among the suitors to sign a player who has been likened to Barcelona star Pedri, amid his £22 million transfer fee demand.
Manchester United currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League following their eventful 3-2 win over Fulham and face Tottenham on Saturday at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick’s Reds will look to extend their hot streak of three wins in a row.
The January transfer window is now closed, but the rumours for more players will continue on through to the summer over who United will sign. A focus for United is on the defensive midfield role, which will be left weakened by Casemiro’s announcement that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
United have been heavily linked to top midfield stars such as Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. The recruitment team have a clear focus on young, Premier League-proven stars.
Adam Wharton is also amongst the rumours to strengthen the midfield. United have been unable to make major signings decisions because Carrick’s future has not yet been decided. United don’t know if they’ll have to back a new manager financially in the summer.
United enter race for AZ Alkmaar’s Smit
According to reports from ESPN, United have entered the race to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit. The Dutchman is just 20 years old and has played 62 games for Alkmaar, including multiple appearances in the Conference League and the Europa League.
Some of Europe’s top clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool, are also interested in gaining the midfielder’s signature in the summer. United would reportedly have to pay a fee in the region of £22 million to complete the signing.
Smit has had high comparisons held to him by Netherlands manager, Ronald Koeman, who said, “[Smit] has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and move the ball forward. That is something we value,”
“The resemblance people see [with Pedri] is in how he positions himself and his decision-making under pressure.” Smit would prove to be a crucial signing if United can beat top teams to the signing.
How Kees Smit could fit into the United midfield
Smit has appeared for Alkmaar mostly as a defensive midfielder, which will prove vital for United, who are looking for a replacement for Casemiro. Manuel Ugarte could also be seen leaving the club in the summer following a run of bad form.
United look best structurally with three men in midfield. Under Carrick, this has meant Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro sitting back to give Bruno Fernandes more creative freedom further up the pitch.
Smit has also been seen further upfield, which could allow United to focus on the signing of a Premier League-experienced defensive midfielder alongside Smit rather than instead of the Dutchman.
United will have to wait until the summer to make these big decisions over signings. We can expect that if United decide not to keep Carrick on, a new manager will be financially backed through signings that match their tactical setup.
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