AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has been linked with Newcastle Unitedplaceholder image
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has been linked with Newcastle United | Getty Images
Newcastle United face Premier League competition for the signature of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit.
Newcastle United are understood to be keen to bring 19-year-old Dutch midfielder Kees Smit to St James’ Park in 2026.
The teenager has impressed after progressing through the ranks at AZ Alkmaar and has attracted interest from several top European clubs as a result.
Smit has made 19 appearances for AZ in all competitions so far this season, including one in the 3-1 defeat against Premier League side Crystal Palace in the Conference League.
Kees Smit compared to Barcelona star Pedri
Smit is also on the radar of Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman, as he considers handing the player a first senior call-up.
“He has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and move the ball forward. That is something we value,” Koeman said about Smit.
“The resemblance people see [to Barcelona midfielder Pedri] is in how he positions himself and his decision-making under pressure. But every player must form his own identity.
“Big clubs follow players with these characteristics. That is normal. What is important is that he continues developing where he is, playing regularly.”
Newcastle United given transfer green light
According to Sky Sports, AZ Alkmaar have given clubs the transfer green light to sign Smit and will sell should their valuation be met.
Alkmaar are looking for a ‘record transfer fee in excess of £22million’ and Newcastle are among the clubs most strongly linked with the midfielder.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie added: “SSN understands Smit is keen to test himself at the highest level ASAP. AZ are open to selling Smit, but only for a record fee.
“Their current record sale is £21.8m for Tijjani Reijnders AC Milan. Smit is admired at #NUFC and is seen as a player with a very high ceiling.”
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Liverpool plot transfer swoop
According to Dutch outlet Soccer News, Liverpool are planning a ‘serious bid’ for Smit in January.
Reds boss Arne Slot is an admirer of his fellow Dutchman and previously worked as manager of AZ back in 2020 while Smit was progressing through the youth ranks.
Liverpool are planning a serious bid for AZ Alkmaar's 19-year-old Netherlands midfielder Kees Smit. Arne Slot is approved the transfer for Smit whose playing style has been compared to Barcelona midfielder Pedri. Slot managed AZ in 2020 with Smit coming through the youth ranks at the time.
So it’s clear that whoever ends up signing Smit will have to fend off some serious competition from rival Champions League clubs.
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