Newcastle United are interested in signing Kees Smit, but may now run into another transfer fight with Liverpool.
Newcastle United’s transfer priority heading into 2026 appears to be the signing of a new midfielder.
Eddie Howe still wants to freshen up his engine room even after Jacob Ramsey joined Newcastle.
Newcastle want to find Joelinton’s heir and could move for fellow Brazilian Ederson from Atalanta.
Ederson offers a like-for-like replacement in midfield, but Newcastle are also eyeing younger midfield talents.
Arne Slot’s personal connection to Newcastle United target Kees Smit
Inter Milan’s Aleksandar Stankovic is on Newcastle’s wish list, but the exciting rumour from the last week surrounds Kees Smit.
Newcastle are interested in Smit and believe there is a genuine chance of signing the AZ wonderkid.
Barcelona and Real Madrid also want to sign Smit, so this would be quite the coup for Newcastle.
SoccerNews in the Netherlands now claim that Liverpool have joined the race – and Arne Slot could be key.
It’s stated that Slot has known Smit ‘for a while’, as the midfielder was in the AZ ranks during Slot’s time in charge.
Smit was only a child at the time, but the hype around him at AZ meant Slot was well aware of his talent.
Slot may still know Smit’s family due to that AZ connection, and it’s something Liverpool could lean on.
Liverpool are now thought to be weighing up an offer for Smit, with Slot a key factor in their pursuit.
Newcastle will be sick of Liverpool after Alexander Isak forced his way to Anfield, but the two clubs could be on a collision course once again.
Newcastle United will need a strong pitch to Kees Smit
Speaking to De Telegraaf earlier this year, Smit admitted his admiration for Slot’s Liverpool side.
“I don’t have a favourite English club or anything like that, although I do enjoy watching Arne Slot’s Liverpool now,” said Smit.
Liverpool haven’t quite been the same side this season, but they will still appeal to Smit.
Smit has been likened to Pedri for his playing style, with the 19-year-old showing outstanding technique and close control in deep-lying roles.
Newcastle don’t really have a player in that mould right now, and the interest in Smit is understandable.
Newcastle know that the likes of Barca, Real and even Liverpool will be considered frontrunners.
Eddie Howe and co will need to pull out all the stops in order to convince Smit to snub those sides in favour of St James’ Park.
The lure of first-team football could be crucial here, as Smit is already a key man at AZ.
Heading to Barca, Real or Liverpool as a prospect for the future may not be as exciting as regular Premier League and European action with Newcastle.
The Magpies have plenty to offer Smit, but it’s going to be a major fight for his signature in 2026.
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