Newcastle ready ‘aggressive bid’ for wonderkid ‘who reminds me of Pedri’
Newcastle United are reportedly looking to sign a new midfielder in the January transfer window as they look to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are likely to inject cash into Newcastle for the window, and departures could help fund new arrivals as well.
The Magpies have a season of ups and downs so far, with Howe‘s team sitting mid-table in the Premier League.
Newcastle drew 2-2 with Chelsea on Saturday, in a frustrating game that saw them give up a 2-0 lead at St James’ Park.
And on Friday, Newcastle face a difficult trip away to Manchester United, who are looking to bounce back themselves after losing to Aston Villa.
Newcastle United discuss midfield options ahead of January
Newcastle have been linked with a move for Ruben Neves in January, as he looks to seal a return to the Premier League.
The 28-year-old joined Al-Hilal from Wolves in 2023, but has reportedly refused to extend his contract amid hopes of playing in the Champions League.
The Athletic reported on Friday a loan move for the Portugal international is unlikely, however, with the Magpies looking to stick to their policy of signing players aged 24 and under.
Instead, Newcastle have held internal conversations about Lamine Camara, Javi Guerra and Kevin Danois, while also holding a strong interest in AZ Alkmaar starlet Kees Smit.
An aggressive mid-season bid is believed to represent the Magpies’ best chance of signing the midfielder, who is the subject of interest across the continent.
Who is Kees Smit?
Smit, 19, was already a regular for AZ at the back end of last season, and the midfielder has gone from strength to strength.
The definition of a box-to-box midfielder, there is very little that the teenager will not be involved in.
Whether that is chasing back to tackle his opposing midfielders, shooting from the edge of the box, dribbling through the press or playing a cut-back from the by-line, Smit has it all.
Speaking in November, the Netherlands international head coach Ronald Koeman said: “I have to be careful what I say, but I coached Pedri at Barcelona and I see things in Kees Smit that remind me of him.
“The changes of direction, the use of both feet, the vision of the game — these are things I noticed in Pedri at the time.”
| Kees Smit | Eredivisie 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 15 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Successful dribbles | 14 |
| Recoveries | 84 |
Smit made his debut for the Under-21s in September, and a call-up to the first team is likely not far away.
He will not come cheap for Newcastle, but should decision-makers at St James’ Park be serious about their project, pushing the boat out in such situations is key.