Newcastle eyeing move for Kees Smit in preparation for Sandro Tonali’s exit | OneFootball

Newcastle United are planning for the future by targeting a summer move for highly rated AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, as speculation intensifies over Sandro Tonali’s potential departure.

The Magpies find themselves needing to prepare for a significant change in their midfield options, with Tonali’s future at St James’ Park highly uncertain.

Tottenham Hotspur have shown strong interest in the 26-year-old Italian international, with an initial £75 million bid reportedly rejected by the Tyneside club.

With mounting interest from the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, Newcastle’s recruitment team is already scanning the European market for alternatives should a blockbuster exit materialise.

Enter Kees Smit, the ‘incredibly good’ 20-year-old who has emerged as one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting young central midfielders.

Dubbed by scouts as a highly creative, press-resistant deep-lying playmaker, Smit’s standout performances for AZ Alkmaar have firmly placed him on Newcastle’s radar.

Replacing an established international like Tonali—who featured 35 times in the Premier League during the 2025–26 campaign—is a tough task for manager Eddie Howe.

However, Smit’s vision, composure under pressure, and elite ball distribution make him an appealing successor to anchor Newcastle’s midfield transition.

Securing the Dutchman’s signature will not be straightforward for Newcastle as Smit recently hinted at a preference for La Liga, citing a desire to escape the cold, rainy climates of Northern Europe.

Despite these external hurdles, Newcastle remain undeterred, knowing that securing a talent like Smit could prove essential to the club’s long-term ambitions in the top flight.