Kees Smit has taken a big step toward the spotlight, and he is no longer hiding from the attention that comes with it. The AZ Alkmaar midfielder has openly admitted that his future is likely to be away from his current club, a statement that has only added fuel to growing transfer speculation linking him with Newcastle United.
At just 19 years old, Smit has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough year in the Eredivisie, and it is clear he already sees this moment as the start of a much bigger journey.
Newcastle have been watching Smit closely for some time. Club scouts have tracked his progress throughout 2025 as he developed from a promising youngster into one of the most exciting young midfielders in Dutch football.
His rise has been rapid but controlled, built on consistent performances rather than hype alone. Those inside the game speak highly of his technical ability, calmness on the ball, and intelligence in tight spaces. Comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne may sound ambitious, but they reflect the type of midfielder Smit is becoming rather than an expectation he must immediately match.
What has really caught attention is Smit’s maturity, both on and off the pitch. When asked directly about his future, he did not shy away or offer a safe, rehearsed answer. Instead, he spoke honestly, saying that he expects to leave AZ Alkmaar within the next six months to a year and a half.
Rather than feeling weighed down by transfer talk, he admitted that he enjoys it. He described the speculation as exciting and something that has made him think seriously about what could come next, even allowing himself to imagine what a big move might look like.
That mindset is important. Many young players struggle when attention grows quickly, but Smit appears comfortable with it. He sees interest from abroad not as pressure, but as validation that he is on the right path.
For Newcastle, that attitude matters. The club have focused heavily on character as well as talent since their takeover, and Smit’s calm, grounded approach fits the profile they often look for in young signings.
On the pitch, Smit has shown why he is being watched so closely. He plays with confidence, always looking to receive the ball and move play forward. His passing range is impressive for his age, and he shows a natural understanding of timing, knowing when to keep things simple and when to take risks.
He is not flashy for the sake of it, but he is brave, and that balance is rare in young midfielders. These qualities have made him stand out in a competitive league and pushed him into conversations about a future in one of Europe’s top competitions.
From Newcastle’s point of view, the timing is interesting. Sporting director Ross Wilson has already made it clear that the club are financially able to act in January if the right opportunity presents itself.
While he stressed that Newcastle will not repeat the heavy spending of the summer window, he also confirmed that funds are available and that recruitment work never stops.
The focus, he explained, is on being smart, creative, and aligned with a long-term squad plan rather than rushing into deals for the sake of it.
Wilson’s comments suggest that Newcastle are thinking carefully about how January fits into their wider strategy. Any signing would need to make sense not just for now, but for the years ahead. In that context, a player like Smit makes a lot of sense.
At 19, he represents both immediate potential and long-term value. He would not arrive with unrealistic expectations to carry the team straight away, but he could be developed gradually while learning from more experienced players in the squad.
Of course, Newcastle are unlikely to be alone in their interest. A midfielder of Smit’s profile, age, and form will attract attention from across Europe. Clubs in Germany, Italy, and Spain are known to monitor emerging Dutch talent closely, and AZ Alkmaar have a strong record of selling players at the right moment. That means Newcastle would need to act decisively if they want to turn interest into something concrete.
For Smit himself, the next step feels inevitable. His own words suggest that he is already mentally preparing for a move, even if he remains focused on his football for now.
He does not sound rushed, but he does sound ready. That balance between patience and ambition often separates those who succeed at the highest level from those who fade away.
Whether Newcastle make their move in January or wait until the summer remains to be seen. What is clear is that Kees Smit is no longer just a promising name on a scouting list.
He is a player with confidence in his ability, clarity about his future, and growing belief that a big move is only a matter of time. For Newcastle United, that makes him a talent worth watching very closely indeed.
