"Since we're going to Barcelona with AZ, if they want to negotiate, there will be time," the 20-year-old told Spanish media after winning the KNVB Cup with AZ, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the final.
"If they ask me to negotiate, I'm totally willing to do so."
The quip reflects the growing clamour around one of the Eredivisie's most sought-after young talents. Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman, a former Barcelona manager, recently described Smit as a natural fit for the Catalan club: "He's a player for Barça. He can be a mix of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. If you're a mix of the two, you're very good."
Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Liverpool have all been credited with interest, as has a cluster of Premier League clubs. AZ are valuing the midfielder at over €50 million and have already turned down an offer in that range, though journalist Arno Vermeulen has suggested that a contractual clause could allow the player to move for a significantly reduced fee if the two parties fail to agree on his development pathway.
Smit is under contract until 2028 and received his first senior Netherlands call-up in March. His agent is Jorge Mendes, who is understood to be actively managing interest from multiple clubs ahead of the summer window.