Newcastle United have stepped up their pursuit of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, with the 20-year-old reportedly open to a move this summer. According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies are currently leading a group of clubs interested in the Netherlands Under-21 international, though competition remains fierce from across the Premier League and Europe.
Newcastle view Smit as a potential replacement for Sandro Tonali, whose future at St James’ Park is uncertain amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur. The club’s recruitment staff have been tracking Smit for some time, impressed by his technical ability and capacity to control the tempo of matches.
However, Newcastle are not alone in their interest. Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Liverpool have also been linked with Smit, with Liverpool expected to bolster their midfield options under a new manager. While a winger is currently considered a priority for the Reds, Smit remains on their list of potential targets.
AZ Alkmaar are expected to demand a fee of around €60 million (£52 million, $69 million) for Smit. The player himself is not rushing into a decision, having been disappointed to miss out on a place in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for the recent international tournament. He is determined to find a club where he will receive regular playing time.
Interest extends beyond the Premier League, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both reportedly monitoring Smit’s situation. However, Bundesliga clubs RB Leipzig and Stuttgart, as well as Ligue 1 side Monaco, are also in contention, offering potential pathways to consistent first-team football. AZ Alkmaar have not entirely given up on retaining Smit, hoping to convince him to remain in the Netherlands for at least another season and benefit from European football. The battle for Smit’s signature is ongoing, with Newcastle hoping to convince the young midfielder that Tyneside is the best place to continue his development.
