Newcastle United will have to fork out a considerable fee which would result in AZ Alkmaar making their club-record sale if head coach Eddie Howe decides to up the ante and attempt to lure Kees Smit to St James' Park during the fast-approaching winter transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Magpies were not afraid to splash the cash during the summer, with Nick Woltemade becoming the most expensive acquisition in the Tyneside giants' history thanks to completing a £69million switch from Stuttgart, but there is an appetite to bring in further reinforcements midway through the season.
Magpies Boast Genuine Interest in Sealing Smit Deal
Kees Smit
Newcastle have discovered what it would take to sign Smit when the transfer window reopens in January as, according to GMS sources, AZ Alkmaar will hold out for a fee in the region of £22million as they feel he should surpass current Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders as their most expensive departure.
The 19-year-old has recorded six goal contributions over the course of his first 19 appearances of the season, leading to the Eredivisie side seeking a lucrative sum for his services after the Magpies have been among the sides circling for his signature ahead of having an opportunity to pounce at the turn of the year.
GMS sources understand that Newcastle's interest in Smit is genuine, while AZ Alkmaar are adamant that they would be getting a good deal if they can convince his suitors to meet their valuation and include a sell-on clause.
The Magpies are aware that they will have no issues meeting the central midfielder's personal demands as, in his current surroundings, he is on a contract which allows him to pocket less than £4,000-per-week after bonuses have been triggered.
Although Newcastle have found themselves in danger of facing a battle to acquire Smit as La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona - along with reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich - have also been linked, GMS sources have been informed that AZ Alkmaar are not prepared to directly confirm the clubs to have made advances.
But the two-cap Netherlands under-21 international's price tag has been decided based on the level of interest heading into the winter transfer window, leading to it becoming clear that Howe will be unable to secure his target for a bargain fee.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 14/11/2025