‘100%’ - Newcastle United delivered major transfer blow as ‘Pedri-like’ midfielder makes statement
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Newcastle United latest news: AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has spoken about speculation linking him with a move away from the Netherlands.
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has spoken about his future as a number of clubs circle for his signature this month.
Newcastle United are one of the clubs linked with a move for the young Dutch midfielder, but it is expected that they will face stiff competition if they want to sign him either this month, or in summer. Smit has played 28 times for AZ Alkmaar this season as he begins to establish himself as one of European football’s hottest young properties.
It is not a surprise, therefore, to see him being linked with a move to some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Alongside reported interest from St James’ Park, German duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund and Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have also all been linked with the midfielder.
Late last year, it was reported that Newcastle United’s best chance of securing Smit’s signature ahead of those other clubs was for them to swoop in the mid-season window ahead of their rivals and get a deal completed. However, to do that, it seems as though the Magpies will have to sell at least one of their current midfield options.
Joe Willock has been linked with a move to Leeds United in recent weeks as he enters the final 18-months of his deal on Tyneside. However, unless a ‘serious offer’ for the midfielder is made this month, it would be Newcastle United’s preference to keep him at the club.
Kees Smit makes transfer admission
In the middle of all of this transfer speculation is a midfielder capturing the attention of Europe. Ronald Koeman, the current manager of the Dutch national team, recently addressed comparisons between Smit and Barcelona superstar Pedri: “He has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and move the ball forward. That is something we value,” Koeman said about Smit.
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“The resemblance people see [to Pedri] is in how he positions himself and his decision-making under pressure. But every player must form his own identity.
“Big clubs follow players with these characteristics. That is normal. What is important is that he continues developing where he is, playing regularly.”
A move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs is almost certainly on the cards in the near future for Smit, but he has ruled-out the possibility of leaving the AFAS Stadium this month: “I know how it is,” Smit told ESPN.
“That’s the most important thing, but I don’t want to say much about it. It [a move] is definitely not going to happen this winter. I will 100% stay here.
“It’s great that it’s a big fee, of course, but I mainly want to focus on football. We’ll see what happens.”
Smit’s admission will come as a major blow for Newcastle United’s hopes of landing his signature ahead of their major rivals. It’s likely that the Magpies will instead concentrate their efforts on adding depth to their defensive options after a myriad of injury blows over the past few weeks. Worries over a hamstring injury suffered by Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar’s ankle ligament injury have further impacted Eddie Howe’s defensive options.