Newcastle Ahead of Palace in Race to Sign Kees Smit as Fresh Interest Revealed
Kees Smit, the highly regarded 19-year-old midfielder from AZ Alkmaar, has emerged as one of the most coveted young talents in world football. His combination of vision, technical ability, and tactical intelligence has drawn widespread attention across Europe. Recently, fresh reports have indicated that Newcastle United are edging ahead of Crystal Palace in the race to secure his signature, heating up the competition for this promising prospect.
Why Kees Smit Is One of the Most Sought-After Midfielders
The Dutch midfielder is widely considered one of the best prospects in his position worldwide. At only 19, Smit has already demonstrated maturity beyond his years in his performances at AZ Alkmaar. His ability to control the game from midfield, distribute with precision, and contribute both offensively and defensively has made him a standout performer.
Clubs around Europe are keenly aware of his potential, with the expectation that he will leave AZ in 2026 for a transfer fee rumored to be around £20 million. Such a price tag reflects both his current ability and the promising trajectory of his career.
Newcastle’s Growing Appeal to Kees Smit
While Spanish giants such as Real Madrid and Barcelona have shown interest, Newcastle’s recent resurgence has positioned them as a highly attractive option for young stars like Smit. The Magpies’ entry into the Champions League and their record of consistent top-seven finishes in the Premier League over the last three seasons make them a club on the rise.
New sporting director Ross Wilson has made it clear that the club aims to build a team of young, hungry talents capable of developing into stars. This approach aligns perfectly with Smit’s profile, setting up Newcastle as an ideal landing spot where he could enjoy substantial game time and continue his development in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
Crystal Palace’s Challenges in the Pursuit of Kees Smit
Earlier reports linked Crystal Palace with interest in Kees Smit, which raised hopes among fans that the Eagles could secure a player of significant potential. However, the latest updates suggest that Palace faces an uphill battle in this chase.
First, Palace is behind both Newcastle and the major Spanish clubs in terms of attractiveness and competitive prospects. Unlike Newcastle, Palace does not compete in European competitions, nor do they boast a consistent top-tier finish in the Premier League.
Furthermore, Newcastle’s offer of more guaranteed playing time for Smit is likely to appeal more strongly to the midfielder, as he looks to maximize opportunities to develop and showcase his talents on bigger stages.
The Strategic Importance of Signing Kees Smit for Newcastle
Adding a player like Kees Smit would bolster Newcastle’s midfield depth and inject youthfulness into a squad striving for long-term success. The Magpies are actively seeking midfield replacements who can integrate into the first team immediately, especially with the January transfer window fast approaching.
By securing Smit’s signature, Newcastle would be investing in a player who not only has the potential to flourish immediately but also to become a cornerstone of the team’s future midfield. For a club with ambitions to challenge for Premier League titles and maintain its Champions League status, such signings are crucial.
Conclusion: What This Means for the Future
The race to sign Kees Smit highlights the shifting dynamics of the Premier League, where clubs like Newcastle are quickly becoming hubs for young talent. While Crystal Palace has traditionally strived to acquire promising players, it now faces stiff competition from teams with stronger competitive platforms and financial backing.
For Smit, the decision is pivotal. Joining Newcastle could offer him a clearer pathway to progress, experience high-level competition regularly, and develop under a club with growing ambitions and stability. This prospect may well outweigh the appeal of moving to one of the more storied but often star-studded squads in Spain, where playing time might be more limited.
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how Newcastle manoeuvres to lock in this exciting young midfielder, potentially securing a vital piece for their bid to climb further up English football’s elite ladder.
There is a pretty amusing and clever moment from his youth that’s become quite popular. Here it is:
1.The Funny / Clever Moment: The Viral Indoor Goal
When he was younger, Kees Smit played in a 5-a-side indoor tournament. According to his Wikipedia page, he scored a very unusual goal: he played a shot that rebounded off the side wall and then flew past the goalkeeper.
That’s not something you see every day — and amusingly, it’s a kind of “wall-trick” goal, as if he used the indoor pitch like a pinball table.
According to reports, that goal went viral and really caught people’s attention.
2.Another Lighthearted Thing: Nickname and Songs
On Reddit, fans have joked that in Alkmaar (AZ’s home), people chant:
“Keessie again! Keessie!”
“Keessie” is a playful, affectionate nickname — kind of like calling a friend “Keesie.” It’s cute that fans have adopted it so enthusiastically.
There’s also talk among fans about how his youth-team photos showed just how much he loved AZ growing up: apparently his bedroom was covered in AZ posters when he was a kid.
