Why Newcastle think €25m wonderkid can become the next Pedri

Suraj Radia

• 14 Nov 2025 08:30 CST
• 4 min read

Nieuws

Newcastle could break a transfer record in the hopes of beating the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to the signing of one of Europe’s brightest wonderkids, who has been compared to Barcelona star Pedri.

The Magpies are looking for value in the market under new sporting director Ross Wilson, particularly with younger players, after spending more than €275 million on signings this summer.

That search has led Newcastle to Kees Smit, with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie reporting that AZ could be willing to cash in on the 19-year-old if they receive a record fee for his sale of more than €25m.

Current ETV

Kees Smit

M, DM, AM (C)

AZ

Kees Smit

M, DM, AM (C)

AZ

€10.8M

ETV Range

€9.7M - €11.8M

View full profile

Smit is said to be keen to test himself at the highest level and Dutch transfer expert Lars Leeftink told FootballTransfers that a move could materialise sooner rather than later.

"Smit is one of the most talented players in Dutch football, and it will be a challenge for AZ to keep him during the winter transfer window,” Leeftink said.

“Last summer, Smit himself indicated that he would only consider a transfer in the summer of 2026, but with Newcastle and other top European clubs lining up for the creative midfielder, that plan may well change.”

Kees Smit: Premier League ready?

Smit is enjoying a breakout season at AZ, having come through their academy and making his debut for the club last season before going onto make 30 appearances across all competitions.

STATS

Kees Smit

M, DM, AM (C)

AZ

Kees Smit

M, DM, AM (C)

AZ

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 19

  Games

• 2

  Goals

• 4

  Assists

View all stats

The midfielder was also named the player of the tournament in the Under-19 European Championships this summer, where he scored four goals and led the Netherlands to the title.

However, Leeftink believes that a move to the Premier League could pose a big challenge for Smit and suggested that the teenager could be better suited to proving himself in a different environment, or continuing with AZ.

"Smit currently lacks the productivity in terms of goals and assists and could be more important to his team. He would be at his best in a technical or tactical league such as the Spanish, French or German league,” Leeftink said.

“The biggest challenge for Smit in the Premier League will be the physical aspect of the competition, as well as the high number of matches that will be played.

“Whether he is ready for this step is the question. An intermediate step to, for example, a sub-top team in the top leagues of Europe or staying with AZ would do him good in that respect."

Could Smit be a shrewd transfer for Newcastle?

Newcastle have found themselves relying on Premier League-proven players since their Saudi takeover in 2021 – a philosophy that has led to success on the pitch but has also caused struggles with PSR due to the excessive transfer fees commanded.

Targeting high-potential youngsters from Europe also comes with its own risks but is a path that Newcastle will need to explore in order to continue their progress, and prospects may not come much brighter than Smit.

Smit was compared to Barcelona star Pedri this week by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman, who said: “He has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and move the ball forward. That is something we value. The resemblance people see (with Pedri) is in how he positions himself and his decision-making under pressure.

“Big clubs follow players with these characteristics. That is normal. What is important is that he continues developing where he is, playing regularly.”

Newcastle have felt a void of technical quality in their three-man midfield this season despite the €45m signing of Jacob Ramsey in the summer, while there are doubts over the long-term futures of the likes of Joe Willock and Joelinton.

In that regard, Smit may prove to be a natural evolution to Eddie Howe’s midfield and, should the playmaker come close to emulating Pedri's impact at Barcelona, Newcastle could secure a bargain answer to their long-term midfield conundrum.

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