United’s daring swoop for the next Frenkie de Jong faces serious hijack threat from familiar foe – report

Manchester United are currently on the lookout for some of the finest midfielders available.

The belief is that next year could see a significant midfield overhaul at Old Trafford. United’s engine room has, at times this season, looked steady, but glaring weaknesses remain.

Keen to inject mobility into his midfield, Ruben Amorim is said to be targeting young, dynamic players who can provide the energy he wants at the centre of the park.

Links to Alkmaar’s teen sensation

Among those being monitored is AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit.

Smit has been packaged as the next Frenkie de Jong, given their similar playing style. Like the Barcelona star, the 19‑year‑old boasts vision, creativity, and an impressive passing range, all while operating from deep midfield.

In him, United could finally have their own De Jong. Yet, as exciting as such a move sounds, it is far from straightforward.

Reports relayed by The Peoples Person claim United have already contacted the player and are exploring a £25 million winter move.

However, given his reputation, other top clubs are unlikely to sit back and let INEOS secure the next great talent from Dutch football.

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United are among those ready to enter the race.

Newcastle threat in Kees Smit’s chase

The Magpies may lose Joe Willock in January.

The former Arsenal man has slipped down the pecking order at St James’ Park, struggling for minutes. With Crystal Palace, as per the Telegraph, keen on signing him, Newcastle could cash in if a suitable bid arrives.

Should that happen, Newcastle already have a replacement in mind. As the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reports:

“They are interested in signing AZ Alkmaar’s exciting prospect Kees Smit in January and have been encouraged to believe the 19‑year‑old would be keen on the move.

“Smit, who is being tracked by most of Europe’s big clubs, will only move to Newcastle if there is a plan to give him regular first‑team minutes and the club have the money to make the deal happen in January.”

Battle lines drawn

Guaranteed game time and a willingness to spend big will ultimately decide this race. Newcastle may be prepared to offer both, but can United match that?

That is a question we will soon have an answer to. What is clear, however, is that United’s midfield is crying out for reinforcements.

If they are truly in the race for one of Europe’s brightest prospects, they should have every motivation to get the deal over the line.

𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐓 (𝟏𝟗)’s last U19 EURO:

5 GAMES
4 GOALS
1 ASSIST
CHAMPION
MVP
TOP GOALSCORER

Now he’s a key player for AZ Alkmaar and on the radar of every big club in Europe.

𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 pic.twitter.com/cJcR0GKKOn

— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) November 12, 2025

With 12 league appearances for Alkmaar this season, two goals and two assists, and only one match missed, Smit looks ready to take Europe by storm, provided he lives up to the hype.

Featured image Daniel Jayo via Getty Images

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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