Kees Smit Transfer from AZ to Newcastle United
AZ Alkmaar are demanding a fee for Kees Smit that would make him the third-most expensive export from the Eredivisie, behind only Antony and Frenkie de Jong. According to Romano, agent Jorge Mendes is preparing for a deal. Romano stated that Newcastle were prepared to pay a significant fee in January, but nothing is advanced yet on the player side. Romano feels that the price will be over €60 million, and a deal is expected to happen in the summer, not now, as AZ have been resistant to a January move.
De Telegraaf reported that AZ Alkmaar has contacted agent Jorge Mendes to manage the transfer of Kees Smit. The same report states the club has authorized Mendes to negotiate on its behalf, as it seeks the highest possible fee for a sale that is anticipated to be the most expensive in its history. AZ Alkmaar expects a minimum of 60 million euros for Kees Smit, according to The Athletic. Newcastle is a club that has been linked with the player.
According to TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, Newcastle are very interested in Kees Smit. The Athletic has also reported that the 19-year-old is considered one of the Magpies' most important targets. The Athletic reports that Newcastle recognise they face a challenge to sign him, but an aggressive mid-season bid is believed to represent their best chance. The report noted that a potential offer for Smit from Newcastle will depend on whether Joe Willock leaves in January. TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has been told by sources that AZ will demand more than €60million for Smit, while some in the Netherlands believe he could cost up to €75million.
According to Fabrizio Romano, AZ Alkmaar will not sell Kees Smit for €45-50 million because a higher amount will be required. Romano was told by sources at AZ Alkmaar that proposals of approximately €60 million have been rejected and that the price is higher than that. It is currently suggested that Kees Smit will remain with AZ Alkmaar for the rest of the season. Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle are reportedly interested in the midfielder, whose contract is valid until 2028.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Kees Smit is being monitored by all European top clubs. According to Romano, Smit will cost at least 45 million euro, and AZ has already rejected higher offers. Romano expects that a winter transfer is unlikely and that Smit is a player to monitor for the calendar year 2026. The transfer expert also mentions that Smit will cost more than the reported 40 to 45 million euro.
The Athletic reports that AZ Alkmaar asks for approximately 60 million euros for Kees Smit. The player stated that he wants to have a good season with AZ and will then see what happens, adding that a transfer does not have to occur next year.
According to Voetbalprimeur.nl, Kees Smit wants to move to a foreign top club in the summer of 2026 or by 2027 at the latest. The midfielder expects to be a record transfer for AZ and aims for a fee of around thirty million euros. This fee would make him the club's highest outgoing transfer. It is reported that Newcastle United has already shown interest in Kees Smit. Smit revealed that he hopes to make a move in half a year or a year and a half. He added that a domestic transfer is almost ruled out and that a move abroad is likely. Smit has a contract with AZ until mid-2028.
Kees Smit has attracted attention from teams such as Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle. Newcastle had been making the strongest effort for Smit and are keen to attempt a mid-season move, but the club is described as being less optimistic of his signature in recent weeks after Chelsea’s interest developed.
According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle United have made contact over the potential signing of Kees Smit. Reliable sources have revealed that the club has spoken to the 19-year-old’s representatives. The Magpies’ interest in Smit is described as serious. Reports suggest that AZ would demand more than their current record sale of €25m, which they received for Tijjani Reijnders in 2023, to sell Smit in January.
Newcastle might allow Joe Willock to leave as they consider making changes in midfield by targeting Kees Smit. Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are also interested in the young AZ Alkmaar player.
According to a report from The Daily Mail, Newcastle United are interested in signing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit and are aiming to complete the deal despite competition from multiple clubs. The report also indicates that the Dutch club is asking for a fee of around £20–25 million and that Newcastle scouts are closely monitoring the midfielder.
Keith Wyness claims Newcastle United would be the preferred option for Kees Smit. Wyness told Football Insider that he spoke with his Dutch contact this week, who said Newcastle is the player's preferred option. Wyness also mentioned that there is interest from the player's side in making the move. The cost for Smit could be around £20 million.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, who spoke to Geordie Boot Boys, Newcastle's interest in Kees Smit was revealed in October, and the club has continued to watch him. Bailey confirmed that Newcastle likes the player, has been impressed, and is monitoring his situation, although he does not think it is something they will pursue in January. In a separate report, Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie wrote on X that AZ Alkmaar will not prevent the sale of the midfielder but will seek a record transfer fee exceeding £22m. Downie stated that Newcastle is interested in the 19-year-old but faces competition from clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. Citing SSN, he added that Smit desires to play at the highest level as soon as possible. AZ are willing to sell Smit, but only for a record fee, with their current record sale being the £21.8m transfer of Tijjani Reijnders to AC Milan. Downie also noted that Smit is admired at Newcastle and is considered a player with significant potential.
According to Sky Sports, many major European clubs, including Newcastle, are interested in Kees Smit. AZ Alkmaar will not oppose the departure of Kees Smit and is requesting 25 million euros for his transfer, an amount that would be a record in the club's history.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Newcastle are interested in signing Dutch midfielder Kees Smit. The report also suggests that Newcastle's involvement will accelerate his transfer, which could occur at the end of the season or in the winter market. AZ will not oppose the transfer and plans to set a new record sale. This would require a fee exceeding the 22 million euros that Milan paid for Tijjani Reijnders in 2023.
Newcastle United are tracking AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit, according to Transfermarkt. The midfielder is considered one of the best young midfielders in Europe.
TBR Football revealed that Newcastle United scouts were in attendance to watch Kees Smit during AZ Alkmaar’s 2-0 victory over Ajax. Newcastle United wants to strengthen their midfield and has added Smit to their list of potential transfer targets ahead of 2026, but they face significant competition. TBR Football also confirmed that Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, RB Leipzig and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring the 19-year-old's development. Additionally, it is understood that Chelsea are also interested. Real Madrid have been monitoring Smit for several months and are reportedly set to increase their efforts to sign him. Smit, who joined AZ in July 2024, has a contract until June 2028. Transfermarkt values him at €10.00m. The Netherlands U21 international has scored one goal and provided two assists in eight Eredivisie appearances so far in the 2025/26 season.
Follow Rumours
View transfer rumours on our TikTok, Instagram and X.