AZ take “extraordinary step” by bringing in Jorge Mendes
AZ Alkmaar have reportedly made an unusual move to protect their position in a growing transfer race for Kees Smit: reports say the club have given Jorge Mendes a mandate to help facilitate what AZ hope becomes a record sale, allowing Mendes to speak to interested clubs.
Crucially, the same reporting stresses Mendes would work in close consultation with Forza Sports Group, the Dutch agency that represents Smit.
Why Kees Smit is a 2026 name to watch
Smit, 19, is one of the standout young midfielders in the Netherlands, already tied to AZ until June 2028.
His profile exploded further at international youth level in summer 2025, when he was named Player of the Tournament at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship – and he also finished as one of the top scorers at the finals.
That combination – elite youth-tournament production plus a key role at club level – is why scouts from the top leagues keep circling, and why a January move is widely seen as unlikely compared to a full-scale summer auction.
Fee expectations: “more than €40m–€45m” and higher bids already rejected
The numbers around Smit are moving quickly. He is widely described as “one to watch in 2026”, with January unlikely, and a belief that he will cost more than the reported €40m–€45m because higher initial proposals have already been rejected, according to Fabrizio Romano.
That framing matches the wider narrative: AZ know they are holding a premium asset, and the club is preparing for a competitive, multi-club negotiation rather than an early sale.
The agency behind him: Forza Sports Group
Smit’s primary representation is Forza Sports Group, a Dutch football agency with a strong top-level roster that includes Jurriën Timber and Quinten Timber.
Forza positions itself as a full-service football agency focused on contracts, transfers and long-term career management, operating with an international network of clubs.
As De Telegraaf revealed, the emerging picture is that Mendes would act as a high-level intermediary to maximise AZ’s leverage internationally, while Forza continue to represent the player and steer the career strategy.
“All top clubs want him” – the report and what it signals
One report captured the growing momentum around Smit in blunt terms: “All the leading teams from the top five leagues in Europe want to sign Kees Smit. Because of this, AZ Alkmaar asked Jorge Mendes for help in completing the transfer. The club expects a real war for Kees’ signature.”
Whether or not every giant is formally at the table yet, the direction is clear: AZ are acting early because they believe the market for Smit is about to turn into a heavyweight bidding battle.
