Crystal Palace have big ambitions! Eagles ready to battle Man Utd and Real Madrid for playmaker compared to Kevin De Bruyne

Tottenham Hotspur v AZ Alkmaar - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg

Crystal Palace are ready to compete with Manchester United and Real Madrid in the transfer market to sign Dutch wonderkid Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar as the Eagles plot an ambitious swoop. Smit came into the limelight in 2023 after he scored from 50 yards against Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League and then helped Netherlands win the European U19 Championship last summer.

Palace to compete with Man Utd & Madrid to sign Smit

Crystal Palace, along with European giants Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea, have sent scouts to monitor Smit's progress in Europe and in the Dutch league. While it will be an uphill task for the Eagles to compete with the giants, they believe that they can convince the teenager that moving to Selhurst Park can provide a better career pathway, according to The Daily Mail.

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Smit compared to De Bruyne and de Jong

At just 19, Smit's impressive performances for the Dutch Eredivisie outfit have led to comparisons with Netherlands international and Blaugrana midfielder Frenkie de Jong and Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne. He shot to prominence after scoring from 50 yards against the Catalan giants in UEFA Youth League clash in 2023 and then helped Netherlands to win the UEFA U19 Championship last summer, where Smit was declared the most valuable player of the tournament and finished the competition as joint-highest goalscorer.

Palace see Smit as Wharton's replacement

Crystal Palace expect their midfield star and England international Adam Wharton to leave next summer, amid strong interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid. The Eagles want to sign a suitable replacement before Wharton exits Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Premier League

Palace's dream start to new season

Oliver Glasner's side are off to a dream start in the 2025-26 campaign, as they remain the only team in the English top-flight to remain unbeaten after six matches. Palace have also made a winning start to their Europa Conference League journey and are now waiting to face Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.