Eddie Howe will be hoping his Newcastle United side can finally build some real momentum after a season that has swung wildly between promise and frustration. Recent back-to-back league wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace have offered a glimpse of stability, with the 2–0 victory against Palace in particular showing a level of grit and resilience that has often been missing.
That win did not come easily, but it showed character, patience, and a willingness to suffer for the result, qualities that Howe will want to see more consistently as the season progresses.
Despite those positive signs, Newcastle’s campaign has still felt uneven. Clean sheets have been rare, midfield balance has often looked off, and the squad has sometimes lacked the spark needed to control games. It is no surprise, then, that the club is once again looking closely at the transfer market, not just for quick fixes, but for players who can shape the future of the team.
One name now sitting very high on that list is AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, a teenager many inside football believe could become Newcastle’s next long-term star.
Newcastle’s recent clean sheet against Crystal Palace was their first in 12 matches, a statistic that underlines just how much work remains to be done. Defensive reinforcements are being explored, with links to young full-backs and versatile defenders across Europe, but midfield is where Howe sees a major opportunity for evolution.
The club’s interest in Smit has been growing steadily, and reports now suggest he is viewed as a top target, even with a price tag in the region of £52 million.
At first glance, that fee may seem steep for a 19-year-old playing outside Europe’s top five leagues. However, Newcastle’s recruitment team see clear parallels between Smit’s development path and that of Elliot Anderson, a player the club still regret losing too early. Anderson’s departure has proven costly in more ways than one.
Since leaving Tyneside, he has flourished, becoming one of the Premier League’s most dynamic midfielders and earning a reputation as a complete, high-energy presence who impacts games at both ends of the pitch. His rise has only sharpened the feeling that Newcastle let a special talent slip away.
Smit is not a finished product, but his growth curve is impressive. Over the last two seasons with AZ Alkmaar, his responsibility on the ball, physical output, and creative influence have all increased.
He is more involved in games, more confident in possession, and more willing to take risks in the final third. His ability to arrive late into scoring positions, recover possession, and progress the ball quickly fits the profile of the modern Premier League midfielder Howe wants to build around.
Below is a simple comparison of Smit’s league development over the last two seasons, which helps explain why Newcastle rate him so highly:
| Stat (per 90 mins) | 2024/25 Season | 2025/26 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Games played | 18 | 14 |
| Goals scored | 0 | 2 |
| Assists | 0 | 2 |
| Touches | 38.8 | 62.7 |
| Pass accuracy | 85% | 89% |
| Key passes | 1.3 | 1.8 |
| Big chances created | 3 | 3 |
| Ball recoveries | 3.3 | 5.7 |
| Duels won | 2.9 | 3.3 |
These numbers tell a clear story. Smit is seeing more of the ball, using it better, and contributing more consistently at both ends of the pitch. While he does not yet match Anderson’s elite levels of ball recovery or duel dominance, his upward trend is obvious.
For a player still in his teens, that trajectory is exactly what clubs like Newcastle look for when investing heavily in youth.
There is also belief inside the club that Smit could reduce the creative burden currently placed on Bruno Guimarães. Newcastle often look too dependent on Bruno to dictate play, create chances, and even chip in with goals.
Smit’s willingness to shoot from range, his confidence under pressure, and his eye for a decisive pass could help spread that responsibility more evenly across the midfield.
Importantly, Howe has shown he knows how to develop young talent. Lewis Miley’s emergence is a perfect example of how Newcastle can nurture potential into genuine Premier League quality. Smit would arrive as a long-term project, not an instant saviour, but that is exactly the kind of signing that aligns with Newcastle’s broader vision.
Losing Elliot Anderson still stings, especially watching his value and influence grow elsewhere. Signing Kees Smit would not erase that mistake overnight, but it would signal intent, learning, and ambition. It would show that Newcastle are ready to invest again in the next generation, trusting their coaching staff to turn raw ability into elite performance.
If the deal happens, it could mark a defining moment for the club’s midfield rebuild. For a team desperate for consistency and long-term direction, Smit may not just be another signing. He could be the start of Newcastle’s next chapter.
