Newcastle United are gearing up for a potential showdown with Real Madrid, as they set their sights on the highly-rated AZ Alkmaar midfielder, Kees Smit. The 19-year-old Dutch talent has been making waves in European football, captivating the attention of some of the biggest clubs on the continent. But with intense competition from the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund, the Magpies are determined to make their move and secure the services of this emerging star.
Smit's rise to prominence began in early 2023 when he scored a remarkable goal from the halfway line against Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League. This landmark performance solidified his status as one of the most exciting young talents in Dutch football. He further solidified his reputation by dominating the European Under-19 Championship, where he was named the joint top scorer and player of the tournament. His impressive displays have not gone unnoticed by European scouts, who are now treating him as a priority target.
The interest in Smit is widespread, with several top clubs across the continent keeping a close eye on his progress. However, there's a growing belief in the Netherlands that the player might be enticed by a club offering regular first-team football, rather than joining one of Europe's superpowers immediately. This is where Newcastle United sees an opportunity, with their new sporting director, Ross Wilson, leading a renewed recruitment strategy focused on securing Europe's leading young talents. Smit's profile fits perfectly with this vision.
Newcastle is aware of the challenge ahead, given the competition from other clubs. The Magpies' midfield has been a concern, with Joelinton struggling to recapture his best form and Joe Willock's season disrupted by injuries. Additionally, the long-term future of Sandro Tonali remains uncertain, casting a shadow over squad planning. Crystal Palace, too, has shown interest, having faced Smit during AZ's Europa Conference League match at Selhurst Park.
The Dutch media has drawn stylistic parallels between Smit and Kevin De Bruyne, suggesting that he will soon become a regular fixture in the national team. However, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri's midfield partner at Barcelona, offered a more measured reaction to the comparisons. He believes that Smit has a lot of talent and can be very good, but he should be allowed to develop in peace without excessive pressure.
AZ Alkmaar has set a price for Smit, and according to Sky Sports News, they are prepared to break their current outgoing record of £21.8m fee paid by AC Milan for Tijjani Reijnders. However, Barcelona might have an edge in the transfer race, as Smit is a self-proclaimed Blaugrana fan. When asked about the comparisons to Pedri, Smit humorously acknowledged the resemblance, citing his admiration for Barcelona.
As the speculation intensifies, Smit remains focused on AZ's campaign, but the sense of inevitability surrounding his next move is growing. The question remains: will Newcastle United be able to secure the signature of this highly-rated wonderkid, or will they face fierce competition from Europe's elite?
