Emerging
Published Jun 23, 2026Updated Jun 23 Major2
83%
Newcastle United targets AZ midfielder Kees Smit with €100 million bid after Tonali transfer
Newcastle United has prepared a €100 million bid for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit as a replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is expected to join Tottenham Hotspur. The 20-year-old Dutch midfielder has attracted interest from major European clubs but AZ will only accept the highest price for his departure.
Quick Facts
- Newcastle United targets Kees Smit as replacement for Tonali
- Newcastle prepares €100 million bid for Smit
- Sandro Tonali expected to transfer to Tottenham Hotspur
- Tottenham offered €90 million for Tonali
- Newcastle demands €100 million for Tonali
Newcastle United has intensified efforts to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, positioning him as a replacement for Sandro Tonali following the Italian's expected departure to Tottenham Hotspur. The Saudi-backed English club, owned by the Public Investment Fund since 2021, has already prepared a €100 million offer for the 20-year-old Dutch midfielder, who has emerged as one of the Netherlands' most sought-after talents in recent seasons.
Tonali's transfer saga has set the stage for Newcastle's pursuit of Smit. Tottenham has reportedly offered €90 million for the Italian midfielder, while Newcastle is demanding approximately €100 million—a deal widely expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. Once completed, Newcastle intends to move swiftly on the transfer market, with Smit identified as a priority target.
Smit's profile has long attracted interest from European giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, but Newcastle's significant financial resources—backed by one of the world's wealthiest ownership groups—place them in a strong position to compete. The midfielder has represented the Netherlands at international level and is based in Heiloo.
AZ Alkmaar has signaled openness to negotiations but insists on receiving the absolute maximum price for their prized asset. However, the club remains open to contract renewal discussions. Smit himself has expressed willingness to remain at AZ for another season, and technical director Niels van Duinen has indicated flexibility regarding a contract extension. Nonetheless, Newcastle is expected to make concrete moves in the coming weeks once the Tonali deal is finalized.
Why This Matters
Newcastle's aggressive pursuit of Smit signals their continued ambition to compete at Europe's highest levels despite recent ownership changes. The club's willingness to spend €100 million on a 20-year-old midfielder demonstrates their financial firepower and strategic intent to strengthen their squad depth. For fans and investors, this reflects Newcastle's commitment to building a competitive team under Saudi backing, while also highlighting the premium price placed on emerging European talent in today's transfer market.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2021
WirePublic Investment Fund (Saudi Arabia) acquires majority ownership of Newcastle United
Jun 23, 2026
WireNewcastle United's interest in Kees Smit reported by Daily Mail