Newcastle United fans on social media have expressed their doubts about the club’s ability to sign AZ Alkmaar youngster Kees Smit.
Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle United are interested in signing Smit, who has emerged as one of the most promising Dutch talents in recent years.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle do actually go out and act on that interest, however.
Indeed, while the last window ended in reasonably positive fashion, fans could be forgiven for having a lack of faith in the club given how many targets they missed out on this summer.
- READ MORE: Four issues Newcastle United need to address in the January transfer window including Kees Smit
Newcastle United fans doubt the club will actually sign Kees Smit
On Friday, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie shared the news that Alkmaar wouldn’t stand in the 19-year-old’s way if a club came in and offered £22million.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest in Smit, who can play all across the midfield and on either wing.
At least some supporters online appear to think the club will instead move for a Premier League-proven player for much more money.
A lack of inventive scouting has been a frequent criticism of supporters online at times.
Another complaint is that Newcastle haven’t had much luck in beating other teams to transfer targets.
One of the other points made was that Newcastle tend to loan their young signings out to clubs who haven’t been great for their development.
One fan wrote: “Competing with UK’s top clubs proved difficult enough last window if I recall correctly.
“Eddie Howe would sign him and not play him. He will play Joelinton and Wilock,” said another fan.
One supporter said: “Look forward to him going on loan to some Belgian 2nd division side, get a few sub starts and then be recalled, welcome to NUFC.”
Kees Smit style of play explained for Newcastle United fans
A young star plying his trade in a relatively ignored league in the Eredivisie may not be a household name amongst supporters.
This season, he has scored two goals while registering four assists in 19 appearances for Alkmaar.
Interestingly, Smit formed part of the Netherlands side who beat Antonio Cordero’s Spain in the final of the U19 European Championships earlier this summer in Romania.
Smit was named Player of the Tournament and UEFA’s Technical Observer Group were full of praise for the midfielder, even comparing him to a certain Kevin De Bruyne.
A statement posted an official UEFA Technical website read: “Kees Smit was named Player of the Tournament by the technical observers, his four goals to finish as joint-top scorer just part of the reason why.
“A beacon of consistency in the Netherlands midfield, his strikes came in each of their four games on the run to the final. Smit’s dribbling, creativity, clever movement and game-intelligence were second to none and earned him comparisons with a young Kevin De Bruyne.”
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