Newcastle United are already preparing for what could be a very important January transfer window, with the club keen to add more quality and depth to Eddie Howe’s squad.
The window opens in just a few weeks, and it will be the first time Ross Wilson leads the charge as Newcastle’s sporting director.
After a summer that saw six new arrivals, the club is ready to push again, focusing strongly on midfield and full-back areas as they try to build a team capable of keeping pace with the Premier League’s top sides.
Among all the players linked with Newcastle, one name continues to stand out more than anyone else. Kees Smit, the 19-year-old Dutch midfielder, has become the club’s number one target.
Newcastle have been tracking him closely for months, viewing him as a rare mix of potential, intelligence, and technical quality. On Tyneside, there is a growing belief that Smit is within reach if the club acts decisively.
The challenge, however, is that they are not alone. Some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, are monitoring the teenager’s development at AZ Alkmaar.
Newcastle believe that their strongest chance of beating those giants to his signature is by making a move in January. According to reports, they tried to sign Smit in the summer but were swiftly turned down by AZ, who made it clear they were not ready to sell.
Now, the feeling is that it will take a far more “aggressive” approach to persuade the Dutch club to negotiate. Newcastle know that waiting until the summer could be dangerous, as it would allow even bigger clubs to enter the race with stronger financial offers and longer-term European pedigree.
However, the situation is not entirely straightforward. While Newcastle would love to secure the deal during the winter window, sources suggest that Smit himself may prefer to wait until the end of the season before deciding on the next step in his career.
That gives AZ Alkmaar even more control, as they are not planning to sell their most prized asset in early 2026. The teenager remains their crown jewel, the centre of a project built around developing young talent and showcasing them on the European stage.
If Newcastle want Smit, they will need to be ready to pay a significant transfer fee. When interest first surfaced, it was reported that AZ wanted him to become their most expensive sale in club history.
That record currently sits at around £22 million following Tijjani Reijnders’ move to Milan. But Smit’s valuation has skyrocketed. According to new reports, AZ believe the young midfielder is worth around £53 million, a figure that shows just how highly they rate his ability and potential.
A fee of that size would place Smit among the most expensive signings in Newcastle’s modern era. Only a handful of players have ever cost the club more. With recent deals for stars like Nick Woltemade, Sandro Tonali, Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga, Newcastle have shown they are willing to spend when the right player becomes available.
The question now is whether they believe Smit is that player and whether they are ready to push the boat out in a January window that could reshape the rest of their season.
Financially, the club is not under immediate pressure from Premier League spending rules. Football finance specialists have suggested that Newcastle could spend heavily if they feel the opportunity is worth it.
UEFA’s guidelines also appear manageable, meaning the door is open for a major investment if the board believes it will accelerate the team’s development.
There is no doubt that Newcastle want more quality in midfield, especially as they deal with injuries, form dips and the demands of a long campaign. Smit fits the profile of a player who could become a long-term pillar of the project young, energetic, creative and hardworking.
Whether he arrives in January or the summer, Newcastle’s pursuit shows how ambitious the club has become. They see a chance to secure one of Europe’s brightest talents, and they are preparing to move with purpose to make it happen.
