Newcastle United’s long-running interest in Dutch midfield sensation Kees Smit has taken another dramatic turn, with fresh information making it clear that any hope of landing the teenager for a bargain fee is now completely off the table.
The Magpies have been tracking Smit closely as he continues to shine in the Eredivisie, but the reality of the situation is becoming increasingly tough for clubs hoping to tempt AZ Alkmaar into a sale.
Smit has enjoyed a remarkable breakout year and is now widely regarded as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe. At just 19, he has already shown maturity beyond his years, combining technical quality with vision, energy, and a natural ability to influence games.
It is no surprise that he has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne, as his style is built around intelligence, creativity, and an eye for the final pass. For Newcastle, he represents a very different profile to what they currently have in midfield, and one that could elevate the team in the long term.
Not long ago, there was genuine optimism around St James’ Park that a deal could be possible in the region of £25 million. Several reports suggested that a breakthrough might be close, and that Newcastle were positioning themselves to move quickly.
However, that optimism has been sharply dented by new details emerging from one of the most reliable voices in football transfers.
Fabrizio Romano has now made it clear that AZ Alkmaar have no intention of selling Smit for anything close to the figures being discussed in recent months. Speaking openly, Romano stressed that the Dutch club already see the teenager as a premium asset and have no financial pressure to cash in early.
According to him, AZ have even rejected offers worth around €60 million, which underlines just how highly they value their star prospect.
Romano explained that Smit is being monitored by elite clubs across Europe, not just in England. He confirmed that Real Madrid have been scouting the midfielder, alongside several top Premier League sides.
In his view, talk of a €45–50 million deal is simply unrealistic, as AZ believe the player is worth significantly more. He also made it clear that a January move is extremely unlikely, as the club are determined to keep Smit at least until the end of the season.
This update paints a clear picture for Newcastle supporters. While the club’s interest is genuine, the financial reality of the deal means it would require a major investment, likely far beyond what many expected.
AZ’s stance is firm, and with so many elite clubs circling, there is no incentive for them to lower their demands.
What makes the situation even more intriguing is Smit’s own openness about his future. Rather than shutting down speculation, the young midfielder has spoken honestly about the possibility of a move.
He has admitted that he can see himself leaving AZ in the near future, possibly within six months to a year and a half. Importantly, he has also said that the attention does not bother him. In fact, he seems to enjoy the idea that a big move could happen, even allowing himself to imagine what life at a top club might be like.
Those comments suggest that while AZ may not want to sell immediately, Smit himself is aware that his next step will likely be a major one. That aligns perfectly with Romano’s belief that he is destined to join a top-level club.
The question for Newcastle is whether they can be that club, and whether the timing will ever work in their favour.
From a Newcastle perspective, the interest in Smit fits the club’s wider recruitment strategy. Under Eddie Howe and the current leadership structure, the Magpies have focused heavily on identifying young, high-upside talent that can grow with the team. Smit ticks every box in that regard.
He is young, technically gifted, and already performing at a high level, with the potential to become a central figure in midfield for years to come.
However, Newcastle also have to balance ambition with realism. Ross Wilson has already addressed the issue of spending in the January transfer window, making it clear that while funds are available, the club will not act recklessly.
He confirmed that scouting work never stops and that Newcastle are always prepared to move if the right opportunity arises. At the same time, he acknowledged that January is not the window for huge spending sprees, especially after significant investment in the summer.
Wilson’s comments highlight an important point. Any January move must fit into the club’s long-term squad plan. Newcastle are not looking for quick fixes or signings that block future development. Every decision is weighed carefully, with input from Eddie Howe on where the squad genuinely needs reinforcement.
In that context, a deal for Kees Smit in January looks extremely difficult. The price is high, competition is fierce, and AZ are not open to negotiation.
A summer move may be more realistic, but even then, Newcastle would likely face a battle against some of the biggest clubs in Europe, both financially and in terms of prestige.
For now, Newcastle appear content to keep watching and gathering information. Smit’s progress will continue to be monitored closely, and the club will be well aware that his value could rise even further if his development continues at the current pace. The interest from Real Madrid and other elite sides only adds to the pressure.
What is clear is that Kees Smit is no longer a hidden gem. He is now firmly on the radar of football’s elite, and AZ Alkmaar know exactly what they have. For Newcastle United, the dream of signing him is still alive, but it comes with a hefty price tag and no guarantees. As Romano has effectively guaranteed, this will not be a cheap or easy deal, and patience may be the only option left for the Magpies.
