Newcastle have enquired over “world-class” prospect

It wouldn’t be fair to argue that the conquered Carabao Cup has become something of a poisoned chalice for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United, but the aftermath of a testing summer transfer window has certainly had a draining effect on the club.

The recent defeat at Manchester United was the latest in a long line on the road. Therein lies the crux of Newcastle’s struggle this season, having won only once away from home in the Premier League this season.

That’s why Newcastle are stuck in the bottom half of the table, 13th and with the possibility of sinking further down this matchweek. The pressure now ratcheting up. Howe feels his side’s performance levels have, on the whole, improved of late, but defensive lapses and bluntness in attack have both contributed toward the malaise.

And the Magpies lack some of their trademark bite in midfield, which is emerging as a priority position ahead of the January transfer window, especially with summer recruit Jacob Ramsey proving ineffective so far.

Newcastle targeting Ramsey upgrade

Newcastle signed Ramsey, 24, from Aston Villa in August, and Howe declared the hard-working playmaker would be “a major asset” for the club.

Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes are among the best centre-midfielders in Europe, but Joelinton isn’t at his one-time ferocious level, and there’s a missing link in the Newcastle engine room.

Could Newcastle find that final piece in Kees Smit?

According to The Athletic, Newcastle enquired after the AZ Alkmaar talent during the summer transfer window, and they remain interested heading into 2026.

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The 19-year-old playmaker is billed as The Next Big Thing, and with Chelsea also reported to be hot on his trail, Smit’s Dutch employers have priced him upwards of £25m.

Why Kees Smit would be perfect for Newcastle

Smit is in the fledgling stage of a promising career, but he’s already shown that he has what it takes to make an impact on grand stages, impressing, for example, against Crystal Palace in the Conference League earlier this season.

Hailed as a talent with “world-class potential” by Como scout and analyst Ben Mattinson, Smit is naturally creative, athletic and with a quiet physicality that bespeaks a future in the Premier League.

Whether that future lies on Tyneside remains to be seen, but Howe and technical director Ross Wilson have to do all within their power to land his signature, which will only rise in value over the coming years, especially if he winds up at a divisional rival.

At Newcastle, Smit has what it takes to nail down a starting berth from the off, leapfrogging Ramsey. After all, his efforts in the Eredivisie have led not only to 15 starts and four direct goal involvements, but 5.6 ball recoveries and 3.3 successful duels per game too, as per Sofascore. He is shaping into the complete package.

Both stretch higher than Ramsey’s own metrics in the Premier League this season, but it would be unfair to suggest that he is not a committed and reliable player. That said, Smit has more flair and more impetus, and Newcastle could do with both.

As per FBref, the Netherlands U21 international actually ranks among the top 3% of midfielders in the Conference League this year for shot-creating actions, and the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 3% for progressive carries per 90 too, as per FBref, underscoring his potential as a ‘world-class playmaker’.

Ramsey needs to buck up his ideas quickly, producing more solid results, should he want a prosperous future in Howe’s Newcastle team.

Because Smit is showing no sign of slowing down, and he will only announce himself to the wider footballing world upon what seems an inevitable arrival to the Premier League.

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