Newcastle United could once again struggle to land a top transfer target. This time, it’s Kees Smit.
While Newcastle United ended the summer transfer window in reasonably positive fashion, there’s little doubt it was a turbulent few months for the club.
Prior to the late signings of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Newcastle missed out on several key transfer targets in the summer of 2025.
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The likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko all went elsewhere despite interest from Eddie Howe’s side.
Heading into the winter window, Smit is thought to be Newcastle’s top transfer target.
Sadly, however, actually landing the AZ Alkmaar midfielder might be difficult.
Chelsea leapfrog Newcastle United in race to sign Kees Smit
According to iNews, Chelsea currently look like the frontrunners to sign Smit.
The Blues are thought to be prepared to rival Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester United in pursuit of the 19-year-old central midfielder.
They are thought to have held talks with Smit’s camp ahead of a potential move, although that’s not certain to happen in the January transfer window.
While Eddie Howe is said to be a big fan of the Netherlands U21 international, the report suggests that sources close to the club aren’t particularly optimistic about signing him.
If Chelsea do sign Smit over Newcastle, it would complete a rather unfortunate hat-trick. The London club landed both Delap and Pedro ahead of the Magpies during the summer.
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Newcastle United already have another target in mind if they miss out on Kees Smit
Thankfully, the wheels at Newcastle appear to be in motion.
Unlike the summer window, it doesn’t seem as if the club will be left scrambling.
Fortunately, the Magpies have an alternative in mind.
The Daily Mail have claimed that Newcastle view Auxerre midfielder Kevin Danois as a potential transfer alternative to Smit.
The 21-year-old has made 13 Ligue 1 starts for the French side this season and has also played for France’s U21 national side.
Hopefully, Newcastle have learned their lessons from the summer. Rather than waste time on lost causes, they should be focusing on scouring the market for as many options as possible.
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