Newcastle may have next Kevin De Bruyne in their sights – Analyst can see a similarity

Newcastle United have been told they may be getting a Kevin de Bruyne like project if they sign Dutch rising star Kees Smit this summer.

This week say the AZ Alkmaar star called up to the Dutch national team for the time. That’s a milestone that is likely to accelerate Premier League interest.

Newcastle are already at the front of the queue. A report this week insisted that they are in the mix in what could be a €60m signing this summer.

Netherlands strategy

Dutch pundit René van der Gijp believes Ronald Koeman’s decision is both strategic and deserved. Speaking on television this week, he praised the call‑up as a smart move to fast‑track Smit’s development.

“Koeman is doing that to get to know him,” he said, via Voetbal Primeur.

“Of course that is good. That boy already has quite an engine, and that engine is only going to get bigger.”

Newcastle United interest

For Newcastle United, that ‘engine’ is exactly the profile they may need in midfield this summer.  That will certainly be the case if Sandro Tonali gets the big move he appears to be edging towards.

Smit’s blend of stamina, ball progression and tactical intelligence has made him of the Eredivisie’s most intriguing young players, and Van der Gijp sees a clear Premier League trajectory.

He even compared Smit’s physical development curve to Kevin de Bruyne, recalling how the Belgian needed time before he could dominate English football.

“You saw that 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 numbers this season certainly underline why Newcastle are circling. The 20‑year‑old has delivered 4 goals and 5 assists across 32 appearances for AZ, while averaging 1.4 key passes and 4.8 progressive carries per 90 minutes.

His 87% pass completion, 57% duel success rate and 11.2 km covered per match paint the picture of a midfielder with both technical sharpness and the relentless engine René van der Gijp highlighted.

For a player his age, those metrics point to a profile that can scale quickly 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 dominant creators after returning at 23.

He regularly produced double‑digit assists, broke the single‑season assist record, and consistently ranked among the top players for chances created, progressive passes and goal contributions.

His evolution from a talented but physically undercooked youngster at Chelsea to a complete Premier League midfielder is the blueprint Van der Gijp believes Smit could follow.

With Newcastle United expected to refresh their midfield this summer, Smit’s national team breakthrough only strengthens the case. If the Magpies move quickly, they may secure one of Europe’s next big engines before the rest of the continent catches up.