Newcastle are planning a move for the 20-year-old with scouts comparing him to KDB
Newcastle United are now busy planning to sign Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar this summer, with scouts smitten by the 22-year-old.
Why Newcastle are looking to strengthen the pitch
If last summer felt hectic last summer then the frenzy will be even worse for Newcastle fans 12 months later. The Magpies are on the verge of missing out on Champions League football and face the prospect of losing at least one big star as a result.
Tonali’s transfer: Newcastle entered the race to sign the “beast” of the Premier League
He may replace Sandro Tonali…
With the SCR (Squad Cost Ratio) rules in place, it’s all about revenue for Premier League clubs and without Champions League football, Newcastle could be down with the aforementioned sales.
As things stand, it looks like that sale could come courtesy of Sandro Tonali. The Italian emerged as one of Manchester United’s best midfielders and had a fan following in Bruno Fernandes.
In addition, there have been concerns over Bruno Guimaraes’ future at the club. Losing Tonali would be a blow. Losing Guimaraes on top of that would be a no-brainer for Newcastle. But this is where Smit can rescue Eddie Howe.
Kees Smit could replace Sandro Tonali at Newcastle
After Caught Offside reports revealed that Newcastle are planning to sign Smit after completing his trial, it is clear that he will be the one to replace Tonali.
The Dutchman has been compared to Kevin De Bruyne at Alkmaar, with his commanding ability reminiscent of the former Manchester City star.
|
League statistics 25/26 |
Tonali |
Smith |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,045 |
1,938 |
|
Opportunities Created |
26 |
33 |
|
Fighting |
29 |
34 |
|
Duels won |
90 |
91 |
|
Recovery |
123 |
122 |
The numbers suggest that Smit is as close to Tonali as Newcastle can get and at just 20 years old, it’s the only option. While selling Tonali would not be ideal, the Dutchman would give Howe a long-term boost at the heart of his side.
Smit’s ability to open up the back lines with his direct range of passing is another reason why the De Bruyne comparison has come up and why he could spark a spark up front at Newcastle.
The Magpies are not alone in the race to sign the midfielder, but they must make his arrival their priority this summer.
Newcastle injury news: Guimaraes to miss Bournemouth
Newcastle are expected to get an idea of what life could be like without Guimaraes this weekend following news of his absence against Bournemouth. Craig Hope of the Daily Mail revealed the news that the midfielder is still suffering from measles and has recovered from a hamstring injury.
Tonali and Lewis Miley will be fit to play, however, and it is undeniably a must-win game for Howe and Newcastle after a poor few months.
