Newcastle United’s stance on signing Kees Smit in January as AZ Alkmaar name their price

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Newcastle United are interested in AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit.

Smit has been linked with a move to Newcastle United ahead of the January transfer window, with the club expected to have money to spend.

While Newcastle United insiders are not expecting a busy January transfer window, Smit is a name who has frequently come up online in recent days.

The 19-year-old, who can play all across the midfield as well as on either wing, has scored two goals while registering four assists in 19 appearances this season.

Geordie Boot Boys spoke to transfer insider Graeme Bailey about Newcastle’s stance on signing Smit.

Newcastle United keeping a close watch on Kees Smit

Newcastle do have one of the oldest squads on average in the Premier League right now, so the signing of a talented young player would be a welcome move. 

Still, according to Bailey, a move for Smit may not happen in January. It’s not an absolute guarantee that the club don’t make a signing when the market opens again, however.

“Kees Smit is a major talent, interest from Newcastle was revealed in October and they have continued to watch him, I can confirm that they really like the player and have been impressed,” he said.

“I would not think it is something they will look to do in January, but they are certainly keeping close tabs on his situation.

“Newcastle are currently assessing what they are going to do in January, they are not envisaging a really busy month, but they are looking at certain positions for sure.”

How AZ Alkmaar feel about selling Kees Smit to Newcastle United

Interestingly, Alkmaar are reportedly open to selling the Dutch international and will not stand in his way if the right opportunity emerges.  

They will, however, likely demand around £22million.

According to Keith Downie, the Dutch side would want Smit to become their most expensive ever departure, eclipsing the £21.8million they received from AC Milan for Tijjani Reijnders in 2023.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested in the player, who is said to be eager to test himself at the highest of levels.

It remains to be seen if Newcastle move for the player at that kind of price. It will have been three long years since they’ve made a January signing by the time the first window of 2026 opens.