Midfielder Kees Smit has turned down a summer transfer to Real Madrid and will remain at AZ Alkmaar. The news emerged this week, following key behind-the-scenes talks between the player and the club. Smit's decision comes as AZ has made a perfect start to the new Eredivisie season and sits top of the table.
Kees Smit opted to continue his development in the Eredivisie despite strong interest from the Spanish giants. The talks with the club's management were key to his choice to stay in Alkmaar. His presence is a boost for a squad currently leading the league with twelve points from four matches. The defence has conceded only three goals, providing a solid foundation for the campaign ahead.
AZ has also secured the signing of young winger Maximilian Ibrahimovic, who completed a permanent move from AC Milan. Ibrahimovic is returning to familiar territory in the Netherlands after a developmental loan spell with Ajax's reserve side. The only player currently sidelined is Stije Resink.
Another significant asset for the team is prolific striker Troy Parrott. The Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate and Republic of Ireland international has become a key presence up front. Former international Ray Houghton publicly questioned why a Premier League club has not taken a £25-30 million punt on the player. Houghton said: "Parrott is backed to net '12-14 goals' in the English top-flight." His form is a major factor in the club's strong start to the season.
AZ has begun the 2026-2027 season in superb form, sitting first with a perfect record of four wins. They hold a two-point lead over PSV Eindhoven and a goal difference of plus ten. The full league table is available on the standings page. The team has scored thirteen goals, pointing to an effective attacking line.
AZ's next challenge is an away fixture against Heerenveen, scheduled for September 6, 2026. Heerenveen currently sits eleventh in the table. All upcoming matches can be found in the fixtures. The focus now is on maintaining their position at the top of the league with a strengthened squad ready for the matches ahead.
