United lock horns with familiar foe in £20m race for 19-yo midfield maestro considered a “total footballer” – report

One significant change INEOS has made at Manchester United is the strategic shift in the club’s recruitment policy.

Yes, the club is still signing top stars, but INEOS have now also placed heavy emphasis on acquiring high-potential young talent from across the globe.

The latest of these signings is Cristian Orozco, a physically strong midfielder who dominates his own half and pairs that power with impressive technical ability, as demonstrated by his performances with Colombia’s under-17s and Fortaleza CEIF.

United have snapped him up, with the teenager set to move to M16 once he turns 18 next summer.

Sekou Kone, Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven, Diego Leon… Orozco joins a growing list of exciting young talent the Red Devils are quietly assembling.

So, after Orozco, who’s next? Kees Smit could be, if INEOS act decisively on their transfer interest.

The next Kevin De Bruyne

Smit is an AZ Alkmaar midfield prodigy, described by Dutch publication Voetbal Primeur as a “total footballer”.

Packaged as the next Kevin De Bruyne, the 19-year-old announced himself in 2023 with a jaw-dropping 50-yard strike against Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League.

A year later, he starred at the European U19 Championships, helping the Netherlands lift the trophy. Smit finished as the joint top scorer and was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

Now commanding interest, top clubs have begun tracking him closely.

United links

In the summer, The Peoples Person relayed reports suggesting United were keen on securing his signature.

Nothing materialised, and Smit remained at the AFAS Stadion.

But unfazed by the missed opportunity, the teenager has continued to work hard and impress.

Strong in possession and blessed with excellent passing range, he continues to attract suitors.

Crystal Palace are the latest to join the red-hot race, alongside Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

According to the Daily Mail, the Eagles “are showing interest in highly rated AZ Alkmaar prospect Kees Smit,” a move reportedly motivated by uncertainty over Adam Wharton’s future at Selhurst Park.

“Ambitious Palace are expecting offers for midfielder Adam Wharton next summer and are working to identify potential reinforcements,” the Mail adds.

Palace preparing for a Wharton exit is music to INEOS’ ears.

INEOS must not lose sight of the bigger picture

However, letting Palace beat them to a talent like Smit would be a misstep.

As ambitious as they are in acquiring elite young prospects, United cannot afford to watch the next big thing in Dutch football slip through their fingers, only to pay a premium for him later.

Available for just £20 million, United must act decisively and hand Smit the big move he has earned.

With United’s midfield struggling for quality and agility, the Alkmaar starlet could offer precisely what they are missing.

Featured image Daniel Jayo via Getty Images

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