AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smitplaceholder image
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit | ANP/AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United transfers: Eddie Howe’s side face fresh competition for one of European football’s most exciting young prospects.
Newcastle United hold a strong interest in AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, but face stiff competition for his signature.
The 19-year-old has impressed in the Dutch Eredivisie and in Europe so far this season and has attracted attention for several top clubs across the continent.
Newcastle have been keen to strike a deal quickly and swoop in ahead of their competition, with interest set to intensify in the summer. But a January exit for the teenager has been played down by multiple sources, with both the player and club preferring a summer move.
Kees Smit expects ‘good move’ amid NUFC interest
Smit has gone public with his expectation of leaving Alkmaar in the near future give the growing speculation around his future.
When asked if he will leave his current club, Smit told De Telegraaf: “Yes, I think so. I think six months, or a year and a half. After that, I hope to have made a good move. I don’t find it [the speculation] difficult to deal with. I actually think it’s quite nice, and I’ve started thinking about it. Like: Imagine if it actually happens?”
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Kees Smit set to cost over £40m - Fabrizio Romano
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported Newcastle’s interest in Smit but claimed he would cost north of the £40million reported asking price attached to the midfielder.
Romano said: “Newcastle love Kees Smit and were prepared to do something immediately however a summer move for the midfielder is more likely with many top clubs monitoring his situation.”
He then doubled down on the chances of a January move by adding on X: “Kees Smit, one to watch in 2026 (January unlikely) with all European top clubs attentive to talented 19 yo midfielder. Understand he’s expected to cost more than reported €40/45m fee as AZ Alkmaar already rejected higher initial proposals.”
NUFC face fresh competition for Kees Smit
According to talkSPORT, Crystal Palace are prepared to fight for Smit’s signature and would be able to offer him a quick route to regular first-team football.
Smit has already visited Selhurst Park this season when he caught the eye despite Palace beating AZ 3-1 in the Conference League back in November.
While Newcastle admire Smit, they also have a highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder of their own in Lewis Miley, who has shown his importance to the side in recent weeks with some crucial goals and solid performances both in midfield and in a new position of right-back due to a pile-up of injuries.
United sporting director Ross Wilson has confirmed that the club has the option to spend money this January transfer window but has played down any suggestion of a significant investment into the squad. This is despite Newcastle currently sitting midtable in the Premier League at the midway point in the season.
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