TBR Football understands a host of Premier League clubs were in Amsterdam last weekend to watch Dutch starlet Kees Smit, with Newcastle now joining the growing list of suitors.
The 19-year-old is emerging as the next big Dutch prospect, and his club, AZ Alkmaar, are bracing to lose their prized asset in 2026.
Smit became a first-team regular last season and is already attracting a great deal of attention.
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He captured the headlines in the summer as he led the Netherlands to the European Under-19 title in Romania, where he was named player of the tournament and earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne, as per UEFA.
Kevin De Bruyne in action during a clash between Belgium and Wales
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
They wrote: “Smit’s dribbling, creativity, clever movement and game intelligence were second to none and earned him comparisons with a young Kevin De Bruyne.”
Sources have now confirmed to TBR Footballthat Newcastle are in the race for Smit, with a host of clubs around Europe keen.
Exclusive: Newcastle join chase for Kees Smit
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are known to be on his trail, along with Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.
Chelsea and Tottenham both started showing a real interest in Smit earlier this year, while Brighton, Fulham and Brentford have also watched closely.
Now TBR Football understands Newcastle have joined the chase, and they were present to watch him turn in a man-of-the-match display as they beat Ajax 2-0.
Kees Smit in action for Holland U19s vs Spain.
Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images
Newcastle are in the market to bolster their midfield ranks in 2026, given they sold Sean Longstaff and did not bring in a replacement, leaving Eddie Howe with a gap to fill. Smit is a player the Magpies are doing work on, and they like what they have seen thus far.
Our chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, has now confirmed what he has been hearing about Smit.
He said: “Talking to scouts in Europe, there are not many more names that create as much excitement as Smit.
“Many clubs believe Smit is the real deal and from what I am being told there is a very good chance he moves next year.”