Newcastle United will reportedly look to beat Liverpool and Manchester United to 19-year-old AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit next year.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Kees Smit is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder heading into the winter transfer window, and they have set their sights on the AZ Alkmaar prodigy. While Manchester United and Liverpool are also keen on signing the Dutch wonderkid, they are lagging in the race, with the Tyneside outfit establishing contact over a move.
Who is Kees Smit?
Kees Smit is the latest promising prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Heiloo, the Dutchman has spent his formative years thus far in the Netherlands, starting his youth career at De Foresters before graduating from the youth division at AZ Alkmaar.
The 19-year-old has already made over 50 appearances for AZ Alkmaar thus far while chipping in with four goals and six assists. Meanwhile, the Dutch midfield prospect’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.
Will Smit move to the Premier League soon?
While Arne Slot has a stacked midfield unit, Wataru Endo is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. So, Smit has emerged as a viable target for Liverpool, as he can be a long-term replacement for the Japanese international. Additionally, he can learn the ropes from world-class players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai if he joins Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in Kees Smit makes sense. The Red Devils are combing the market for a versatile midfielder amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. Additionally, Manuel Ugarte has struggled to make his mark since joining Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain last year. So, Smit is an option worth considering.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies are looking for a versatile midfielder amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Joelinton and Joe Willock. So, Smit is a viale target for the Tyneside outfit, with the 19-year-old Dutchman’s qualities making him an ideal foil for Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar will demand around €25 million to part ways with the youngster.
The Magpies have intensified their efforts to sign the Dutch midfield sensation, having established contact over a possible move. That puts Newcastle United ahead of Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign Smit, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the €25 million-rated AZ Alkmaar wonderkid.
