Newcastle United could launch an impressive transfer move in 2026 with AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit on the radar.
Eddie Howe’s summer signings have been a mixed bag for Newcastle United so far this season.
Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade have been outstanding, but the jury is out on the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga.
Newcastle’s inconsistent form this season means Howe could be backed with more signings in January.
The Daily Mail report that Newcastle are now interested in signing AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit and could beat major European clubs to his signature.
Newcastle United can make serious statement with Kees Smit signing
Smit made headlines over the summer, being named as the best player at the UEFA Under-19 Championship.
The 19-year-old predominantly played as a number 10 in that competition, but has been operating in a deeper role for AZ.
Signing a teenager from the Eredivisie may not sound like a blockbuster move, but Newcastle could make a real statement here.
The Athletic note that Real Madrid were eyeing Smit over the summer, with Barcelona also interested.
Voetbal International have quoted Smit as saying that Barcelona are his favourite club, meaning a move to Catalunya will surely appeal.
Newcastle seemingly believe that there is a genuine chance of tempting Smit away from the Spanish giants and luring him to Tyneside.
Beating Barcelona and Real Madrid to a signing would be enormous in itself, but even more so when Smit has already made his love for Barcelona clear.
Newcastle would need to sell Smit on the idea of playing regular first-team football very quickly at St James’ Park.
Smit would be one for the future at Barcelona or Real, whereas Newcastle could offer instant action.
That is where Newcastle could win this race and leave two of the world’s biggest clubs lagging behind in the process.
Signing Smit is certainly no sure thing, especially at this stage in the race, but fending off two European giants would make him one of the most exciting moves of the PIF era.
Kees Smit has been likened to Barcelona’s Pedri
Newcastle are starting to look at replacing Joelinton, with Atalanta’s Ederson believed to be on the radar.
Smit is a very different type of midfielder, and Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has summed up his style of play nicely.
Koeman told AS that he thinks Smit is similar to Barcelona superstar Pedri in terms of his style, having coached the Spain international in the past.
“I have to be careful what I say, but I coached Pedri at Barcelona, and I see some of his qualities in Kees Smit,” said Koeman. “The turns, the use of both feet, the vision… it’s what I saw in Pedri back then.
“What he’s showing at such a young age is impressive. If he achieves half of what Pedri has achieved in his career, everyone in the Netherlands will be happy,” he added.
Pedri is one of the finest midfielders in the game right now, and there are shades of his game in Smit at this early stage of his development.
Newcastle certainly don’t have a player of that ilk at Howe’s disposal, and Smit would be a truly impressive addition alongside Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes if a deal can be done.
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