Newcastle United have entered a fierce European chase for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, a rising talent whose performances have sparked interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Sky Sports reported that AZ will not block a sale, however the club will demand a record fee of more than £22 million. This would surpass their previous high of £21.8 million, set when Tijjani Reijnders moved to AC Milan.
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Smit, just 19 years old, is already making significant waves in the Eredivisie. His return of two goals and four assists this season reflects the maturity Sky Sports say has impressed scouts across Europe.
Already contracted until 2028, AZ hold a strong negotiating position, and insiders claim they believe they can drive the price well beyond their current record.
The interest from Newcastle aligns with ongoing plans to add more technical quality in midfield. Smits versatility, composure on the ball and physical development at a young age make him a natural fit for a Premier League project built on long term planning.
Newcastle will not have an uncontested path. Real Madrid and Barcelona rarely pursue a teenage midfielder without believing they can mould a future star, and Bayern Munich have also been tracking the Dutch market closely. The sense from Sky Sports is that Smit is genuinely considering all options and is motivated by the highest level of competition available to him.
For Newcastle to secure him, decisive early action may be essential, particularly as some of Europes giants can offer instant Champions League exposure.
From a Newcastle supporter perspective, this report sparks a mix of excitement and anxiety. On one hand, the club chasing a gifted young midfielder with interest from giants like Madrid and Bayern shows the scale of ambition under the current ownership. Fans have been desperate to see the club compete for elite emerging talent, and Smit absolutely fits that category. His numbers at AZ are impressive for someone his age, and the idea of him developing at St James Park is genuinely appealing.
However, the worry is obvious. When Real Madrid and Barcelona like a player, Newcastle often feel like outsiders in the conversation. Supporters will remember previous sagas where promising targets were ultimately lured away by more established European giants with bigger trophies and bigger wages.
Another concern is the fee, as anything beyond £22 million places pressure on the recruitment team to be absolutely confident. Fans know the club cannot afford a high priced prospect who fails to settle. The hope is that the interest is real, the groundwork is strong and the project can be sold convincingly to the player. If Newcastle win the race, it would feel like a genuine statement that the club can still attract Europes most exciting young footballers despite the competition.