Rio Ferdinand Urges Manchester United to Secure £52M "Truth" Kees Smit Before Rivals Strike

Rio Ferdinand urges Man Utd to secure £52m AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit. Plus, updates on Rashford’s Barcelona loan and Maguire’s contract.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 8:12 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Search for a Midfield Anchor

Manchester United’s midfield remains a primary area of concern for the recruitment team as they look ahead to the summer 2026 transfer window. Having spent over £200 million on five new arrivals last year, the club is reportedly targeting at least two new central players to bolster a rotation that has struggled with consistency. While Premier League names like Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali have been frequently linked, Rio Ferdinand has directed the club's attention toward the Eredivisie, specifically identifying AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit as a non-negotiable target.

Ferdinand’s High Praise for Kees Smit

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand was effusive in his praise for the young Dutchman, who has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in European football this season. "Kees Smit is the truth, man, I’m telling you," Ferdinand stated, noting that he has consulted contacts in the Netherlands to verify the player's potential. Ferdinand argued that United must secure Smit’s signature immediately, even if it means waiting six months to a year for him to fully integrate into the squad. "We cannot let him go elsewhere," he warned, emphasizing the urgency of the deal.

The Rashford Dilemma and Barcelona Success

Ferdinand also touched upon the future of Marcus Rashford, who is currently excelling on loan at Barcelona. Following a spectacular goal against Atletico Madrid over the weekend, Rashford has reached a tally of 10 goals and 10 assists this season. While Barcelona is reportedly looking to renegotiate a €30 million buyback clause down to approximately £26 million, Ferdinand admitted he would take "that version" of Rashford back at Old Trafford in a heartbeat. However, the former defender conceded that the "ship has likely sailed," with Rashford seemingly focused on a permanent move to the Nou Camp.