Newcastle Join Real Madrid in Race for Kees Smit

Newcastle United are set to compete with Real Madrid for the signature of highly-rated AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit, as the Magpies ramp up their pursuit of elite young talent. Smit, just 19 years old, has rapidly become one of the most exciting prospects in Dutch football and is now on the radar of top clubs across Europe.

Kees Smit: Newcastle Target AZ Alkmaar Starlet

Kees Smit’s meteoric rise began with a stunning halfway-line goal against Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League in 2023. His stock soared further when he dominated the European Under-19 Championship, helping the Netherlands lift the trophy while finishing as joint top scorer and earning the tournament’s best player award. Smit’s performances have not only attracted Newcastle and Real Madrid, but also Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and Crystal Palace.

Newcastle’s Ambitious Recruitment Drive

Newcastle’s new sporting director Ross Wilson is leading a recruitment strategy focused on securing emerging stars, and Smit perfectly fits this vision. The Magpies see Smit as an ideal addition, especially with Joelinton struggling for form, Joe Willock’s season plagued by injuries, and uncertainty surrounding Sandro Tonali’s future. The club is prioritizing midfield reinforcements for 2025 and believe Smit’s desire for regular first-team football could tip the scales in their favor over Europe’s established giants.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich Also in the Hunt

While Real Madrid and Bayern Munich represent formidable competition, sources in the Netherlands suggest Smit may prefer a club where he is more likely to feature regularly, rather than being one of many rising stars at a superpower. Barcelona reportedly have an edge due to Smit being a lifelong Blaugrana fan, but Newcastle remain optimistic.

Koeman’s High Praise and De Bruyne Comparison

Dutch national team manager Ronald Koeman has heaped praise on Smit, likening his awareness and decision-making under pressure to Barcelona’s Pedri. Koeman remarked, “He has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and move the ball forward. The resemblance to Pedri is in how he positions himself and makes decisions under pressure.” Dutch media have also compared Smit to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, fueling expectations that he will soon be a regular fixture in the Oranje midfield.

Balancing Hype with Patience

Frenkie de Jong, one of Smit’s idols and a linchpin in the Dutch midfield, urged caution, emphasizing the need to let Smit develop without excessive pressure: “He has a lot of talent and can be very good, but let’s leave him to play football in peace and we’ll see.”

AZ Alkmaar Set Price as Interest Intensifies

According to Sky Sports News, AZ Alkmaar will not block Smit’s move if a suitable offer arrives, but expect to break their £21.8 million transfer record for outgoing players. With a transfer tug-of-war looming, Smit’s affection for Barcelona adds intrigue, but Newcastle are prepared to test AZ’s resolve.

When asked about the comparisons to Pedri and De Bruyne, Smit responded with maturity: “If he [Koeman] thinks so, maybe it is. I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s a good comparison. Before, I was De Bruyne, and now I’m Pedri—or Frenkie de Jong. I understand people find it a strange comparison. I watch almost every Barcelona match. It’s simply my favourite club.”

Smit’s Focus Remains on Current Campaign

For now, Smit remains focused on helping AZ Alkmaar’s season ambitions. Despite the transfer speculation, he continues to impress in domestic and European competitions, with scouts from Newcastle and Real Madrid closely monitoring his progress.

Opinion: Newcastle’s Young Talent Strategy Faces Real Test

It’s clear that Newcastle’s pursuit of Kees Smit epitomizes their new approach—identifying and signing Europe’s most promising young talents instead of established stars. If the Magpies can lure Smit with the promise of first-team football and a leading role in their midfield rebuild, it would mark a significant win for their recruitment team. However, battling traditional powerhouses like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona will be a stern test of Newcastle’s growing appeal. One thing is certain: whichever club secures Smit will gain a midfielder with the potential to become a European star.

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