With the January transfer window now just three weeks away, the focus at Newcastle United is shifting toward potential reinforcements that could strengthen the squad for the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.
The club are assessing options across several positions, from full-back and midfield cover to a new goalkeeper, and possibly a young forward if Will Osula decides to move on. Amid all these discussions, a standout update has emerged that places AZ Alkmaar’s rising star Kees Smit firmly on Newcastle’s radar.
According to Craig Hope, who shared information during a Mail Sport Q&A session, Newcastle are preparing to make what he calls a “big play” for the 19-year-old midfielder once the window opens.
A bid in the region of £25–30 million is expected, signalling a serious intention to bring one of Europe’s brightest young talents to St James’ Park.
The competition for the Dutch teenager is immense, with many top European clubs already monitoring his progress and envisioning him as a future star who could eventually end up at Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Bayern Munich.
Despite the heavyweight interest, Newcastle believe they have a compelling pitch that could set them apart. The club’s recruitment strategy in recent seasons has shown a strong emphasis on developing young, high-ceiling players, and the project under Eddie Howe has become a major draw for emerging talent.
Hope explains that the sales pitch revolves around the idea of Smit refining his game in an environment where he will receive world-class coaching and regular opportunities to grow, rather than being lost in the shadows of star-studded squads at Europe’s elite clubs.
Newcastle intend to show Smit examples of what they have already achieved with players such as Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon. All three arrived as promising youngsters and have since blossomed into established internationals under Howe’s guidance.
The club’s message to Smit is simple: Real Madrid may be the long-term destination, but the journey often requires a crucial stepping stone, and Newcastle believe they can offer him the ideal pathway.
They argue that Madrid and similar clubs tend to buy fully polished players, not 19-year-olds still learning the game. At Newcastle, he would have room to develop without the extreme pressure that comes with joining a European superpower too early.
Hope also points out that, while fans may not love the reality, Newcastle are now positioning themselves as a club where talented youngsters can elevate their careers before securing dream moves down the line.
They are selling the idea of becoming a crucial building block in a young player’s development, with the promise of a potential big move in the future. This honest and ambitious approach could resonate with a player like Smit, who must prioritise development over instant stardom at this stage of his career.
There is no question that Smit will have a big decision to make. The level of attention he is receiving from top clubs means he will not be short of offers in 2026.
But Newcastle are betting that their project, their coaching team and their recent success in developing young talent will give them a real shot.
However, two important questions remain. The first is whether Smit will truly be convinced enough by Newcastle’s plan to turn down interest from Europe’s elite.
The second question centres on AZ Alkmaar themselves. With their team competing in both the Eredivisie and European competitions, it is uncertain whether they will be willing to let one of their brightest talents leave in January.
Selling him mid-season could disrupt their campaign, and they may feel that waiting until the summer, when a bidding war is more likely, would maximise his value.
For now, Newcastle are preparing their move and fine-tuning their pitch, knowing that a player of Smit’s quality could be a long-term asset who fits perfectly into the club’s development-focused vision.
Whether that is enough to secure his signature remains to be seen, but their determination is clear, and January could bring one of the most intriguing transfer battles of the winter window.
