Newcastle United are set to sign Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar in the summer.
The midfielder’s rise to the Eredivisie side has attracted the attention of a few clubs, including the Magpies.
He graduated from AZ Alkmaar’s academy and earned a place in their first team in 2024
Smit has played 69 matches so far, scoring six goals and eight assists. He plays primarily in the middle of the pitch and sometimes as both a defensive and attacking midfielder.
The 20-year-old has three goals and two assists in 21 league appearances this season. Below are his statistics per game in the Eredivisie this season.
- big opportunities were created [this season]:5
- Main pass: 1.4
- Accurate pass: 88%
- Intercept: 0.6
- Tackle: 1.3
- Possession won in the final third: 0.9
- Ball Recovery: 5.4
- Duel won: 3.8
His development has already attracted the attention of Newcastle United. Earlier in the season, Sport Witness broadcast news Magpies, Liverpool and Real Madrid are youth favorites
In December, AZ General Manager Marijan Ziman said The player can go in summer.
Newcastle United keen on Keyes Smit
Eddie Howe’s side continue to pursue the Netherlands U21 international. Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul has spoken to Ziggo Sport about his compatriot Rondo and football scoop Has released his comments.
Kees Smit’s development impresses him, and the former stopper says the Premier League team is one of the English clubs pursuing the midfielder.
“Everyone in England is [impressed] Very; “Newcastle is after him.” He said.
Voetbal Primer reports that the Dutchman is worth €60m. Former Ajax midfielder Theo Janssen told Rondo that this statistic means nothing.
“€60m for Smit is a ridiculous amount. €60m?! Come on. That puts a lot of pressure on the guy. If the guy brings €15m, that’s already a lot of money,” Jansen explained.
Meanwhile, Smit spoke to Matchday, which was relayed football newsAnd explained that he does not focus on price.
“To be honest, I never looked at the statistics. That’s even better. Otherwise, I would have started to have doubts. After all, I’m happy with my choice.” He added.
If it were up to him, he would prefer to move to another Dutch club before moving elsewhere. However, Smit is well aware that this is highly unlikely to happen.
“Staying in the Netherlands would be really ideal. I don’t think that’s going to happen. I never really thought I would have to leave and I always wanted to play for AZ and I got a lot of confidence there. There was never any reason to leave in the first place,” Smit said.
Dutchman’s contract, price and agent
Kees Smit’s contract is until 2028, and transfer market has increased its valuation from €22m in December to €25m this month.
The young midfielder is represented by Forza Sports Group. His client list includes Arsenal’s Jurien Timber, Marseille’s Quinton Timber, Leeds United’s Pascal Struijk and many more.
However, AZ have tasked super-agent Jorge Mendes with helping them secure €60m from his sale in the summer.
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