Newcastle United are interested in signing Kees Smit from AZ in 2026, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist has claimed that it is unlikely that AZ will sell Smit in the January transfer window, noting that Newcastle are keen on a 2026 summer deal for the midfielder.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “I’ve been talking to you guys in the recent days here on the channel, and I keep repeating that Kees Smit will be absolutely one to watch in 2026. 

“From what I’m told, unlikely to be January transfer window, more likely to be summer transfer window.

“There is a club, for example, prepared to pay big money, and that club would be Newcastle. Newcastle, love Kees Smit. 

“But from what I’m hearing at the moment, as I told you also in the last video, forget about €40m/€50m for Kees Smit. The price will be higher.”