{
  "id": 12833663,
  "title": "AZ Alkmaar closing in on new contract with star midfielder",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/az-alkmaar-closing-in-on-new-contract-with-star-midfielder",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T09:25:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/az-alkmaar-closing-contract-star-092500485.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "AZ Alkmaar are reportedly nearing an agreement on an extension for their star midfielder Kees Smit. The contract, which currently ends in 2028, is set to be extended through to 2030. This extension is a significant boost for the Dutch club, as Smit's performances have already drawn attention from other clubs. The 20-year-old midfielder played 46 games last season, scoring five goals and providing nine assists. His inclusion in the Dutch national team, although he did not make the final World Cup squad, highlights his potential. This season, Smit has played seven games, contributing two assists. AZ Alkmaar have had an impressive start to the Eredivisie, winning six of their seven matches and drawing one. They face second-placed Feyenoord in an important match on Saturday as the international break concludes. The top five teams are separated by just five points, suggesting that this season could be one of the most competitive title races in recent Eredivisie history.",
  "summary": "VI are reporting that AZ Alkmaar are closing in on signing a contract extension with their star youngster Kees Smit. The midfielder will extend his current contract, which runs out in 2028, until 2030...",
  "key_points": [
    "AZ Alkmaar nears contract extension for Kees Smit through 2030",
    "20-year-old midfielder played 46 games last season, scoring 5 goals",
    "AZ Alkmaar won 6 of 7 matches, leading Eredivisie title race"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}