Kees Smit has openly admitted he expects to leave AZ Alkmaar this summer — a revelation that has boosted Newcastle United’s interest in the 20‑year‑old midfielder.
Speaking after AZ’s 4–0 win over Sparta Prague, Kees Smit was unusually candid about his future, making it clear that a move is approaching fast.
|UEFA Conference League 2025/26||
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|Appearances|9|
|Started|7|
|Minutes per game|74|
|Total minutes played|663|
When asked if he could still be at AZ next season, the midfielder was blunt: “I don’t see that happening,” De Telegraaf report him saying.
For Smit, the priority is simple: minutes.
“In principle, I want to play a lot, that is the most important thing for me. I don’t know yet what the ideal step is. When I do know, I will announce it.”
“Absurd amounts” – Smit questions €60m valuation
The most eye‑catching moment came when the midfielder addressed the huge transfer fees being linked to his name. Earlier this season, reports suggested AZ would demand €30m, €40m, even €60m for the midfielder.
“These are absurd amounts you hear being mentioned… I think so myself too. I can see it all clearly. And so can you.”
Newcastle among clubs monitoring Kees Smit
A €60m Kees Smit valuation was cited this week in reports linking Newcastle United with the AZ Alkmaar midfielder.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul insisted the Magpies were part of the pack chasing Smit this summer, after a separate report in November put them alongside Liverpool and Real Madrid in showing an interest.
Former Ajax midfielder Theo Janssen then shot down the idea, insisting that the figure should be much lower.
“€60m is a ridiculous amount of money for Smit. €60m?! Come on. That puts a lot of pressure on that boy. If that boy brings in €15m, that is already a lot of money,” Janssen explained.
Rising numbers, rising price
That, it seems, is something Kees Smit himself agrees with.
Smit’s numbers underline his rise: four goals and eight assists across 39 appearances this season, including two assists in the midweek win.
And with that rising status does come an increased asking price. Transfermarkt already have him valued at €25m. That’s his highest valuation so far and over double what he was valued back in October.
What Newcastle are willing to pay, remains to be seen. But Smit’s profile fits; he’s technical, press-resistant, already experienced in Europe and young.
Smit may not yet know his ideal next step, but with interest growing and the player himself questioning his price tag, a summer exit now feels inevitable — and Newcastle United remain firmly in the conversation.