Newcastle United has emerged as the leading club in the pursuit of Kees Smit, the 20-year-old central midfielder currently at Dutch Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar. The Magpies have intensified their scouting activity around the player, and Smit is reportedly open to making the move, provided he gets assurances of regular first-team minutes.

AZ Alkmaar has placed a valuation of €60 million (roughly £52 million) on their academy product, while Smit’s current market value sits at €25 million according to Transfermarkt. The Dutch club is asking more than double what the market independently values him at.

Who is Kees Smit

Born on January 20, 2006, Smit signed a professional contract with AZ back in January 2021 and is tied to the club until June 2028, meaning AZ holds all the cards on timing and price.

He plays as a central midfielder and came through AZ’s youth academy system. Smit has already represented the Netherlands at the U19 level, including involvement in the U19 European Championship. Newcastle’s scouting activity around Smit reportedly intensified between June 22 and 23, 2026, suggesting the club has moved from passive monitoring to active pursuit.

Smit’s one stated condition for a move is meaningful playing time.

The Tonali factor and Newcastle’s midfield calculus

The timing of Newcastle’s interest in Smit is not coincidental. Uncertainty surrounding Sandro Tonali’s future at the club has prompted the Magpies to look at reinforcing their midfield options.

The competition for Smit’s signature is also not trivial. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham have all been linked with interest. Liverpool and Chelsea in particular represent significant competition on the playing-time promise front, given both clubs have deep squads with established midfield hierarchies.

Smit’s contract running until June 2028 means AZ has no immediate pressure to sell. They can afford to hold firm on their €60 million valuation and wait for a club to blink.