Nearly two weeks into the January transfer window, and there is a growing sense of frustration around St James’ Park. Newcastle United have yet to welcome any new faces, despite a difficult run of injuries that has stretched the squad and raised concerns about depth.
With the season entering its most demanding phase, many expected the club to move quickly in the market. Instead, progress has been slow, and one of Newcastle’s most talked-about targets has now made his position very clear.
Kees Smit, the highly rated Dutch midfielder, has publicly ruled out any chance of a January move. That decision applies not only to Newcastle, but to every club tracking his progress. Speaking after AZ Alkmaar’s narrow 1-0 win over FC Volendam, the 19-year-old left little room for doubt about his immediate future.
His comments came after weeks of speculation linking him with several European heavyweights, including Chelsea and Real Madrid, alongside strong interest from Newcastle.
Smit acknowledged that he is aware of the noise surrounding his name, but made it clear that his focus remains firmly on football rather than transfer talk. He stated that a move this winter is “definitely not going to happen” and confirmed that he will “100%” stay with AZ for the rest of the season.
While he admitted that big transfer fees and major clubs are flattering, he stressed that his priority is continuing to play, develop, and perform at a high level where he is now.
For Newcastle, this admission is a significant setback. Smit had been viewed as a key midfield target, someone who could add energy, control, and long-term value to Eddie Howe’s squad. Early reports suggested a deal might be possible in the £20m to £30m range, a figure that looked reasonable given his age and experience.
However, his recent performances in both domestic and European competitions have pushed his value much higher. With interest from some of the richest clubs in world football, his price is now believed to be well beyond £40m.
There was a feeling that January represented Newcastle’s best chance to secure his signature before the race became even more crowded in the summer. Smit choosing to stay put means that opportunity has now passed, at least for this season.
It also highlights a broader challenge Newcastle face as they try to compete for elite young talent while operating within financial limits and long-term planning.
With Smit off the table, attention must turn elsewhere. One option is to accelerate interest in other young midfielders who have been monitored in recent weeks. Kevin Danois of Auxerre and Luciano Valente from Feyenoord are two names that fit Newcastle’s profile of developing players with strong upside.
Both would add freshness and competition in the middle of the pitch, even if neither carries the same level of hype as Smit.
The second option is more cautious and may not be popular with supporters, but it could make sense from a financial and strategic point of view. Newcastle could choose to trust their current midfield group until the summer and shift January resources to other areas of the squad.
Eddie Howe values balance, and with limited room to manoeuvre, hard choices have to be made.
Joe Willock’s situation plays a role in that thinking. Unless a serious offer arrives for him this month, Howe is unlikely to let him go. Willock remains a useful option, especially with the squad already being asked to adapt due to injuries. Young midfielder Lewis Miley may even be required to cover at right-back, which further reduces midfield flexibility.
Injuries have also hit key defensive players, including Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento, creating immediate problems at the back. While adding a creative midfield talent like Smit would have been exciting, the current reality suggests defensive reinforcements may be more urgent. Stability at the back is often the foundation of success, especially during a congested run of fixtures.
Smit’s decision is disappointing, but it is also understandable. He is playing regularly, improving steadily, and protecting his long-term development. For Newcastle, it is a reminder that patience and timing are just as important as ambition in the transfer market.
The window is still open, and plans will continue to evolve, but for now, one thing is certain. Kees Smit will not be arriving on Tyneside this winter, and Newcastle must adapt quickly to that reality as they plot their next move.
