- Newcastle could lose their target to the Gunners
- Other Premier League club showing interest
- Newcastle midfield issues
Newcastle United are looking to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the summer transfer window; however, one of their targets could be heading elsewhere. Football Insider believes the Gunners are showing particular interest in AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit ahead of the transfer window.
Liverpool also have an interest in the 20-year-old, and he’s more likely to move to London or Merseyside than Tyneside due to the Magpies’ underwhelming season in the Premier League.
Several of Eddie Howe’s high-profile midfielders have been linked with moves away this summer, which would give someone like Smit a great opportunity for first-team football in England, but can they fight off the interest of two big clubs?
Who is Kees Smit?
Smit has come through every level at AZ Alkmaar, and he broke into the first team ahead of the 2024/25 season, although he made his debut off the bench the season prior.
At the youth level, he was part of the AZ UEFA Youth League team that beat Hajduk Split in the final 5-0. They also beat Barcelona and Real Madrid on the way to the final.
He is someone who can play across the midfield, whether in an advanced role behind the striker, or deeper in front of the defence.
While Maarten Martens was in charge of the Dutch club, the 20-year-old mainly played as a central midfielder, but one who likes to move around the pitch.
Whether he’s dropping into space, moving out wide to create space for his teammates, or making bursts into the box, he is someone who offers versatility and tempo to his team.
He immediately showed this on his Europa League debut, where he got a goal and an assist from the bench in a 3-1 win over Fenerbahçe in November 2024.
This season in 22 Eredivisie appearances, he has scored three times and registered two assists, but his output alone doesn’t reflect his impact.
| Kees Smit Eredivisie 2025/26 | Stats |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 22 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Key passes per game | 1.4 |
| Accurate passes per game | 88% |
| Ball recoveries per game | 5.4 |
| Tackles per game | 1.5 |
| Total duels won per game | 45% |
His ability to bring the ball forward from the back, combined with his work rate, is why some of Europe’s biggest clubs are showing significant interest in him.
Newcastle midfield problems
If Howe is to remain in the hot seat at St James’ Park, amid potential replacements, he will have to consider buying at least one midfielder in the summer; the likelihood is that it will have to be more.
According to Transfermarkt, the Magpies only have six senior midfielders, which isn’t great when competing on all fronts.
Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali have both been linked with moves to other Premier League clubs this summer, while Joelinton is closing in on his 30s.
Lewis Miley has suffered a few serious injuries over the last 18 months, while Joe Willock isn’t able to offer sufficient depth.
Finally, Jacob Ramsey joined the club from Aston Villa ahead of the campaign, but his inconsistent performances haven’t put down a marker on Howe’s team.
The Black and Whites will have to find new options in the middle of the park this summer, either as replacements or additional depth.
Smit would be a smart signing by the Tynesiders, but the interest from Arsenal and Liverpool could be too great a threat.
