Newcastle United have been told they could get a Kevin De Bruyne-like project if they sign Dutch rising star Kees Smit this summer.
Says this week the AZ Alkmaar star received a brief call-up to the Dutch national team. It's a milestone that is likely to spark interest from the Premier League.
Newcastle are already at the front of the queue. A report this week Insisted that he is set to sign a deal worth €60m this summer.
Netherlands strategy
Dutch pundit René van der Gijp believes Ronald Koeman's decision is both strategic and appropriate. Speaking on television this week, he praised the call-up as a smart move to fast-track Smit's development.
"Koeman is doing this to get to know him," He said, Via Voetbal Primeur.
"Sure it's good. That guy's already got quite an engine, and that engine's about to get bigger."
Newcastle United interest
For Newcastle United, that 'engine' is exactly the profile they may need in midfield this summer. If Sandro Tonali gets a big step up it will definitely be like this.
Smit's blend of stamina, ball progression and tactical intelligence has made him one of the Eredivisie's most interesting young players, and Van der Gijp sees a clear Premier League trajectory.
He even compared Smit's physical development curve to that of Kevin De Bruyne, recalling how the Belgian needed time before he could dominate English football.
"You saw it with Kevin De Bruyne," He added.
"He went to Chelsea at 20 and returned to Manchester City at 23. He could handle it then, but not before that."
impressive numbers
Smit's statistics this season certainly underline why Newcastle are circling. The 20-year-old has scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists in 32 matches for AZ, while averaging 1.4 passes and 4.8 progressive carries per 90 minutes.
His 87% pass completion, 57% duel success rate and 11.2 km of coverage per match paint a picture of a midfielder with both the technical acumen and the tireless engine highlighted by René van der Gijp.
For a player his age, those metrics point to a profile that can rise rapidly in a more demanding league.
De Bruyne comparison
Kevin De Bruyne's Premier League record shows why Van der Gijp is excited. He became one of the Premier League's leading creators after returning at the age of 23.
He regularly provided double-digit assists, broke single-season assist records, and consistently ranked among the top players for chances created, progressive passes, and goal contributions.
His development from a talented but physically weak young player at Chelsea to a full-fledged Premier League midfielder is the blueprint that Van der Gijp is confident Smit can follow.
Newcastle United are hoping to refresh their midfield this summer, with Smit's national team success only strengthening the case. If the Magpies move quickly, they could secure one of Europe's next big engines before the rest of the continent catches up.
🇵🇹Iván Fresneda | €80 million clause to see Newcastle United fullback shining – and the Magpies are keen
📉That figure will be largely negotiable https://t.co/C7fO6tZzKO #nufc
- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 21 March 2026
