Newcastle United join Real Madrid and Barcelona in race for £20m European gem | OneFootball

Newcastle United are reportedly joined Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race for Dutch wonderkid Kees Smit. 

The Magpies are in the market for talented players following a difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign. 

Eddie Howe’s men have performed well in the Champions League but their Premier League form has been a cause of worry for the supporters. 

Back-to-back defeats at the hands of West Ham United and Brentford means the Tyneside club are languishing in 14th in the league standings. 

However, despite their domestic struggles this season, Newcastle still believe they can attract Europe’s brightest talents to St James’ Park. 

According to the Daily Mail, they are pushing to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Smit who has drawn comparisons to Barcelona star Pedri. 

But they face competition from European giants Real Madrid, Barca, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for the 19-year-old. 

Smit is seen as a player with huge potential. Despite his young age, he has already made 50 senior appearances for AZ, bagging four goals and six assists. 

The Dutchman can glide past opposition players, excels at forward passes and also boasts great tactical intelligence and vision.

He is contracted with AZ until 2028 but a fee around £20 million could reportedly convince the Eredivisie side to sell him. 

It is unclear whether Newcastle would make a January move for the 19-year-old or pursue his services next summer. 

Given the interest from some of Europe’s best clubs, it would be a spectacular feat if the Magpies secure a deal for him. 

Stats from Transfermarkt