Newcastle Pursues £65m Star to Replace Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle United is reportedly keen on signing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit as a potential replacement for Bruno Guimaraes. With a price tag soaring to £65 million, the Magpies are competing with other top clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
Newcastle’s January Transfer Strategy
Newcastle’s technical director, Ross Wilson, has indicated that the club is prepared to spend in the upcoming January transfer window. The need for reinforcements has become critical as the team aims to build on its recent Premier League success.
In-Form Team
Following three consecutive wins, Newcastle is back in contention for the Champions League. However, the team’s midfield has been identified as a weak point that requires strengthening.
Profile of Kees Smit
- Age: 19
- Position: Midfielder
- Current Club: AZ Alkmaar
- Style of Play: Combative and technical
Smit is recognized for his maturity and defensive capabilities. Scout Ben Mattinson has praised him as a “duel monster,” emphasizing his potential to become a future star
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Comparison with Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes has been instrumental in Newcastle’s success, and his consistent performances have set a high standard for any potential successor. Analyst Raj Chohan noted that Guimaraes would warrant a valuation of around £100 million.
Here’s a comparison of Kees Smit and Bruno Guimaraes based on their current league performances:
| Metric | Kees Smit (Eredivisie) | Bruno Guimaraes (Premier League) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches (Starts) | 16 (16) | 20 (19) |
| Goals + Assists | 2 + 2 | 8 + 3 |
| Touches (per game) | 62.9 | 70.8 |
| Accurate Passes (per game) | 43.0 (89%) | 44.7 (87%) |
| Chances Created (per game) | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| Dribbles (per game) | 0.9 | 0.6 |
| Ball Recoveries (per game) | 5.9 | 4.7 |
| Tackles + Interceptions (per game) | 1.8 | 2.7 |
| Duels Won (per game) | 3.9 | 5.5 |
Potential Move for Smit
While it remains uncertain whether Newcastle can secure Smit, it would be a valuable investment for the club. Historically, their purchase of Guimaraes from Lyon for £40 million proved to be a wise decision. Smit represents a similar opportunity for future growth.
