Newcastle United could make a splash in the January transfer window, with work remaining in a number of areas.
Eddie Howe, who won last season’s Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons, is struggling to regain his form as the Magpies sit 14th in the Premier League.
While their away struggles have been well-documented in recent weeks, Newcastle have a broader crisis of creativity that they must resolve.
Premier League 25/26 – xG Leaders | ||
|---|---|---|
# | club | xG total |
1. | chelsea | 20.4 |
2. | man city | 19.3 |
3. | crystal palace | 19.0 |
4. | arsenal | 18.8 |
5. | man united | 18.2 |
12. | newcastle | 12.8 |
Data via FBref | ||
Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the probability that a shot will result in a goal.
Nick Woltemade is a bright light at No. 9, very exciting and promising in Alexander Isak’s former spot, but there is only so much he can do as United struggle to create chances with the regularity they need to compete at the top of the table.
Latest information on Newcastle’s transfer search
Newcastle have dynamic wingers and a solid, compact central midfield, but there is no doubt they need more players, and Joelinton’s performances this season have drawn criticism, leaving room for hungry new playmakers.
Newcastle signed Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa for more than £40m this summer, but the 24-year-old is yet to hit his stride on Tyneside. A new solution may be needed here.
Now, according to GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle could get the help they need in the form of Keith Smit after learning they will have to sell club record 19-year-old AZ Alkmaar if they want to sign him from the Netherlands in 2026.
The Eredivisie are looking to pay £22m if they part with control of their prized prospect, but with Barcelona and Real Madrid lurking, Newcastle will need to act quickly.
Why Newcastle want Keith Smit
Smit may only be a teenager, but he has already welcomed several players into the hype circle, with analyst Ben Mattinson marveling at his “dueling monster” and his all-encompassing midfield qualities.
Comfortable in small spaces, Sumit has developed an exciting and creative skill set. According to FBref records, he ranks in the top 6% of his peer midfielders in shot creation actions, top 9% in through balls, and top 10% per 90 in both progressive carries and successful take-ons over the past year.
A successful take-on is recorded when a player, while still in possession of the ball, directly carries the ball and defeats his opponent.
He was in action in the recent Conference League game against Crystal Palace, picking up an assist, completing three dribbles and winning six duels.
The creator has a maturity that suggests he can be tailored for a Premier League career, with SofaScore averaging 3.5 duels, 1.2 tackles and six ball recoveries per Eredivisie match. He’s the complete package.
19 years old. We might be talking about a bigger talent here than Walte Maid. Woltemade is a dominant athlete and his technical understanding has made him one of AZ’s most important cogs at this fledgling stage.
Woltemade has been one of Newcastle’s star players this season and will continue to develop, but Smit’s playmaking could take the German to a completely different level in the future.
Smit or Walte Maid? Who has greater talent? Perhaps we are splitting hairs. United just need to get the deal over the line, combine two quality footballers, and reinvigorate Howe’s attack.
