Newcastle United have been unusually quiet in the January transfer market, and so far, it seems the club is taking a measured approach rather than making immediate moves.
The Magpies do have funds available and areas of the squad that could use reinforcement, but the focus appears to be on preparing for a more active window in the summer when opportunities and options are likely to be better.
While the defensive injury crisis has put some pressure on Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson to act, any potential signings are being carefully considered, with the club conducting thorough reviews before committing to deals.
One name that has consistently been linked with a Newcastle move this month is Kees Smit, the 19-year-old midfield sensation from AZ Alkmaar. The Dutch prodigy has attracted attention from across Europe, with Newcastle hoping to get ahead of other top clubs by attempting to secure his signature in January rather than waiting until the summer.
Smit, however, along with Alkmaar, is fully aware of the interest surrounding him and appears content to remain with his current club until the end of the season before making any decisions.
Despite this, credible reports suggest that Newcastle have not completely abandoned the idea of a winter swoop. Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, identified the Magpies as one of the clubs willing to explore a deal for Smit this month.
Romano highlighted that Jorge Mendes is managing the young midfielder’s affairs and coordinating potential moves, noting that discussions have been ongoing since December.
Newcastle, according to Romano, were ready to offer significant financial incentives to secure Smit’s arrival, though as of now, nothing has progressed on the player’s side.
The reality is that Newcastle would likely need to make an exceptional bid to convince Alkmaar to release Smit mid-season. The Dutch club knows that several elite European sides, including giants like Real Madrid, are likely to approach him in the summer, making them reluctant to negotiate for a January transfer unless the offer is astronomical.
Smit is considered one of Europe’s brightest young talents, and pairing him with Lewis Miley in midfield could form the foundation of a dynamic partnership for years to come.
However, Newcastle may struggle to compete financially with the continent’s wealthiest clubs if they hope to persuade the teenager to move to Tyneside in the short term.
For now, the Magpies appear to be weighing their options carefully. The club’s strategy seems to involve maintaining flexibility this month while monitoring developments, particularly around players like Smit who could become realistic targets once the summer market opens.
There is a balance to strike between acting quickly to address squad needs and avoiding overpaying for a player when patience could secure a more sustainable deal later. While supporters may hope for an immediate capture, the combination of Alkmaar’s stance and competition from Europe’s biggest teams makes a January move far from guaranteed.
In essence, Newcastle’s interest in Kees Smit highlights the club’s ambition to target top young talent, but it also underscores the practical challenges of the January window.
Any move for a high-profile player of Smit’s quality requires careful consideration, and despite the readiness to spend big, the club is conscious that timing, competition, and financial constraints all play a crucial role.
For now, Smit remains at AZ Alkmaar, with Newcastle keeping a close eye on developments and hoping that their patience may eventually pay off.
| Player | Age | Current Club | Position | Interest Level | Transfer Window Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kees Smit | 19 | AZ Alkmaar | Midfielder | Very High | January & Summer 2026 | Newcastle prepared to spend big; Alkmaar likely to hold until summer; Jorge Mendes managing negotiations |
Newcastle’s cautious approach reflects a long-term strategy: monitoring talent, preparing financially, and acting decisively when conditions are favorable. Smit may not arrive this month, but he remains a key target and a potential cornerstone of the Magpies’ midfield in the years to come.
