Overview
- Chelsea have held recent talks with Smit’s representatives, though it is unclear if they will lodge a January bid given expectations of a quiet winter window.
- Newcastle, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool are monitoring the 19-year-old, with Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid also linked.
- Newcastle retain interest after the £125m sale of Alexander Isak but confidence has dipped as the club remains selective on fees and long-term fit.
- AZ are weighing whether to keep Smit until summer to maximise value, and the midfielder is under contract until 2028, strengthening the club’s leverage.
- Ronald Koeman has likened Smit’s qualities to Pedri, and the AZ starter has produced two goals and five assists in 25 appearances this season.