Newcastle United are actively working on a potential January move for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, according to a report from The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards.
Edwards wrote that Newcastle “are interested in signing AZ Alkmaar’s exciting prospect Kees Smit in January and have been encouraged to believe the 19-year-old would be keen on the move.”
Edwards stated that Smit is being tracked by many European behemoths, but Newcastle’s advantage is “opportunity.”
Edwards, however, reported that “Smit will only move to Newcastle if there is a plan to give him regular first-team minutes and the club have the money to make the deal happen in January.” That’s why the club’s ability to guarantee both has made the winter window the clear target.
The report also noted that Smit’s performance against Crystal Palace in European competition have circulated across the continent, making him a clear target for many clubs. His playing style and rapid development have made him one of the leading young midfielders available in the coming window, with competition expected to intensify if Newcastle wait until the summer.
Edwards also reported that Newcastle “may need to act fast to facilitate” the move because the club already have six central midfielders competing for three spots. The need to create squad space was cited as a factor in ongoing discussions about Joe Willock’s future, but the central point was clear: if Newcastle want Smit, January is the moment to strike.
