AZ has signed talent Kees Smit for a longer period of time. This morning the midfielder signed a contract until mid-2026.
Smit started his career at a young age at De Foresters in Heiloo, but switched to AZ at the age of nine. There he went through the youth academy and played in the under-19 team. Last January he made his debut in professional football, in the match against Helmond Sport. He has now played thirteen games for Jong AZ.
Debut
Smit achieved several successes with the under-19 team and with Jong AZ. With the team up to 19 years old, Smit surprised friend and foe last year by winning the Youth League. It was an unforgettable tournament for Smit, partly because of his goal in Barcelona, which he scored from the halfway line.
This season he plays in both the under 19 team and Jong AZ. “At Jong AZ I am now also making the necessary minutes and I have already scored my first goal. Now I have to ensure that I continue to play well and as much as possible. It is therefore important that I stay fit, so that I can improve every day and show what I can do in the competitions,” said Smit.
Huiberts satisfied
Director of Football Affairs Max Huiberts is happy that Smit has signed. “Kees is no stranger. He has been in our training since he was nine and he has undergone a very nice development. Not only physically, but also as a football player. Last year Kees was part of the team that won the Youth League and he is currently breaking through in professional football at Jong AZ. The logical line now is that he will move to the first team next year, will continue to develop and that he will also be decisive there,” Huiberts said.