Rio Ferdinand has doubled down on his demand for Manchester United to look into signing AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit, insisting that his former side cannot afford to lose the young midfielder to another club.

Smit, 20, has taken the Eredivisie by storm and has emerged as one of the promising prospects in the league. Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast in February, Ferdinand urged Manchester United to sign Smit, saying he likes the youngster and claimed he was performing at a high level.

In the latest episode of his podcast, the former defender reiterated his stance, making it clear that Smit is a talent worth investing in, even if he is not expected to make an instant impact at Old Trafford.

“Kees Smit is the truth, man! I’m telling you,” Ferdinand said. “He’s one you go…. I’m buying him, it doesn’t have to be right for now. And I hope he comes in and takes the world by storm. But if we’ve got to wait six months to a year for him, I do not care because we can’t let him go elsewhere. Kees Smit is the truth, man! I’m telling you. This kid… I’ve seen him play a couple of times now and that’s all I need to see and I’ve seen the clips. I’ve spoken to some guys in Holland, friends. The kid’s got it.”

So far this season, Smit has registered 12 goal contributions in 41 appearances across all competitions. He came through the ranks at AZ Alkmaar, and his current market value stands at €25 million, according to Transfermarkt.

Ferdinand’s previous message to Manchester United about Smit

Following Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Ferdinand encouraged the Red Devils while speaking on his YouTube channel to look into signing Smit. Ferdinand was suggesting a list of young midfielders that United could sign in the summer before mentioning Smit.

“The are others in the market as well, a couple of young ones,” Ferdinand said. “Kees Smit, I like him a lot. If you don’t know who he is, go and have a look at him, guys! Kees Smit is a player. He’s a young midfielder, he can do a bit of everything really and he’s performing to a very good standard.”

Smith enjoyed a breakout season in the Eredivisie last term, and according to The Athletic, Manchester United were among the clubs that showed interest in the Netherlands international in the January transfer window.