Newcastle given green light to sign Kees Smit as fresh AZ Alkmaar valuation revealed
AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit is one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders, and a fascinating transfer battle is brewing ahead of January.
Newcastle are the latest club to show an interest in Smit, with new sporting director Ross Wilson looking to make the 19-year-old his first signing for the Magpies.
Eddie Howe’s men aren’t alone in their admiration for the midfield maestro, as Crystal Palace have been linked with Smit alongside multiple European giants, including Real Madrid.
It was reported on Thursday (November 13) that AZ Alkmaar value Smit at £20millon, although a fresh report indicates he could leave the Dutch side for a club-record fee.
AZ Alkmaar value Kees Smit at over £22m
Smit, who has been likened to Kevin De Bruyne due to his technical qualities, is one of the continent’s most promising emerging stars, and he’s available to sign for a bargain.
🚨 AZ Alkmaar will not stand in the way of selling midfielder Kees Smit — but will be looking for a record transfer fee in excess of £22m.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) November 14, 2025
✔️ Newcastle are interested in the 19-year-old — but they face stiff competition from European giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern… pic.twitter.com/9a28Qj7mhZ
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, AZ want to sell the midfielder for a club-record fee, eclipsing the £21.8m AC Milan paid for Tijjani Reijnders in 2023.
More importantly, the Dutch giants won’t stand in the way of Smit leaving the club in January, with Smit keen to test himself at the highest level.
Downie adds that the midfield metronome is ‘admired’ by Newcastle and is seen as a player with a ‘very high ceiling’.
Newcastle are crying out for some creativity in the middle of the park, and Smit appears to offer such qualities in abundance.
Smit is more creative than Joelinton
Joelinton’s form dropping this season has coincided with the Magpies’ downward spiral. Their 3-1 defeat against Brentford before the break left them just two points above the relegation places.
Football Insider understands that Newcastle could look to replace Joelinton in January, although the Brazilian is a fan favourite and they’re in no rush to move him on.
That said, if Howe wants to find a more creative solution to the 29-year-old centrally, then Smit is a clear upgrade.
| Stats per 90 past year | Joelinton | Kees Smit |
| Progressive passes | 4.52 | 5.78 |
| Progressive carries | 1.38 | 1.97 |
| Successful take-ons | 0.46 | 1.14 |
| Pass completion | 82.4% | 85% |
| Shot-creating actions | 2.33 | 4.12 |
| Shots total | 1.57 | 1.75 |
The above table proves that Smit destroys Joelinton technically and explains why Newcastle should do everything to sign him.