Real Madrid faces multimillion-dollar dilemma over top target Kees Smit

Kees Smit is the kind of name that makes talent scouts smile. Which is why it should surprise no one that Real Madrid are not alone in tracking the 19-year-old Dutch midfielder. They are very much not alone.

Alongside the Spanish giants, Newcastle United have emerged as serious admirers of the AZ Alkmaar standout. According to the Daily Mail, however, a January move remains “unlikely.” The Saudi-owned Premier League club is interested, but prepared to wait until the summer, largely because of AZ’s steep asking price and Newcastle’s own transfer priorities.

Newcastle willing to wait as Smit price rises

“Kees Smit was the top name on Newcastle’s midfield wishlist for January,” the Daily Mail reports. “However, it is unlikely the 19-year-old will move this month and, if he does, it would be for a fee higher than Newcastle are prepared to pay in the winter market.”

Despite heavy investment in recent windows, including over $300 million last summer, Newcastle are unwilling to spend more than £40 million, about $54 million, during this January window. AZ Alkmaar, by contrast, value Smit at around €60 million, around $70 million, a figure that has cooled immediate interest.

Europe’s elite are watching Smit

What is clear, both at the Bernabeu and at St. James’ Park, is that Smit’s reputation is spreading fast. “Almost every top club in Europe is interested,” British media note.

Already a Netherlands Under-21 international, Smit has played 58 matches for AZ’s first team despite his age. In the 2025-26 season, he has recorded two goals and five assists in 27 appearances, starting 25 of them. Those numbers underline his status as a key player under coach Maarten Martens.

Real Madrid competition grows

If Smit remains at AZ Alkmaar through the end of the season, Newcastle are expected to renew their push in the summer. That said, prying a top prospect away from Real Madrid is never simple. The Spanish club’s scouts have followed Smit closely for some time, and their interest alone tends to complicate any transfer race.

As a result, Newcastle are also tracking alternatives for their midfield rebuild, including Kévin Danois of Auxerre and Feyenoord’s Luciano Valente.

Not just Smit: Newcastle also eye a new goalkeeper

Midfield is not the only area on Newcastle’s agenda. The club are also planning changes at left back and in goal over the next two transfer windows.

While Smit is the preferred midfield target and 19-year-old Dayann Methalie of Toulouse tops the list at left back, the Magpies are increasingly concerned about their goalkeeping situation. James Trafford turned them down for a second time last summer, opting for Manchester City before the club moved for Gianluigi Donnarumma. Ongoing injury issues for Nick Pope have only added urgency. Aaron Ramsdale, meanwhile, is on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season.

Remiro and Kobel on the radar

There will be no major spending spree in January. Newcastle expect to be active and competitive only if the right deal presents itself. Behind the scenes, though, the club are already reassessing their goalkeeping options for the summer.

Among the names under consideration are Real Sociedad’s Álex Remiro and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel. British reports stress that neither deal is being actively pursued at the moment. Remiro’s contract runs until June 2027, giving his club a strong negotiating position.

This January marks the first transfer window overseen by sporting director Ross Wilson since his arrival in September. According to the Daily Mail, Wilson is focused on the bigger picture rather than short-term fixes. Newcastle are in a healthy position under spending rules, but they also know they must enter the summer with flexibility and funds ready to deploy.

The battles over Kees Smit and Álex Remiro are unlikely to be the last transfer sagas involving Newcastle in the months ahead.

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