Analysing the biggest transfer stories from the Premier League as attention begins to turn to the January windowplaceholder image
Analysing the biggest transfer stories from the Premier League as attention begins to turn to the January window | Getty Images/ Canva
Analysing the biggest transfer stories from the Premier League, including updates from Newcastle United and Liverpool
The November international break might provide a small break for the players, but on the recruitment side of things the hard work is just getting started.
In our round-up of the latest transfer headlines, our attention starts with Newcastle United. They are currently the biggest underperformers in the Premier League with 12 points from 11 matches, and concern surrounding the direction the club is moving in is beginning to creep in after back-to-back 3-1 defeats in the capital against West Ham and Brentford.
They are yet to acclimate to life without Alexander Isak at present. But the biggest concern surprisingly comes in midfield where the club have failed to show anywhere near the same intensity as in years gone by despite attempting to press the opposition more than any other team.
The added workload of Champions League football has thus far had a negative impact on the team’s league form - and based on recent reports Eddie Howe is looking to rectify this with a move for another midfielder in the form of Kees Smit.
AZ Alkmaar will allow Kees Smit to leave amid Newcastle interest
According to both Sky Sports’ North East correspondent Keith Downie and fellow reporter Anthony Joseph, Newcastle United are pushing hard to secure the signing of Kees Smit.Downie posted on X: “AZ Alkmaar will not stand in the way of selling midfielder Kees Smit — but will be looking for a record transfer fee in excess of £22m.”
Smit, who is contracted to AZ Alkmaar until 2028, is widely regarded as one of the most promising footballers in the Eredivisie.
“He has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and move the ball forward. That is something we value,” Koeman said about Smit.
“The resemblance people see [to Barcelona midfielder Pedri] is in how he positions himself and his decision-making under pressure. But every player must form his own identity.”
The 3AM verdict: Kees Smit is a gifted central defensive midfielder that could well form an excellent partnership with the likes of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes given his recent plaudits.
He’s a player it would make sense for Newcastle to target under new sporting director Ross Wilson. At the moment, they are an ageing side and slightly stagnant after a turbulent summer.
Whether Smit is the man to help them succeed remains to be seen after all there is a big gulf between the Premier League and Dutch football. However, at £22m it could be a punt worth taking, but it’s worth noting that it won’t be an easy deal with Barcelona and Bayern Munich also keeping a close eye on proceedings.
Liverpool target Dayot Upamecano
Premier League heavyweights Liverpool are believed to be leading the race to sign Bayern Munich stark Dayot Upamecano. The 27-year-old French international defender is out-of-contract at the Allianz Arena and is believed to be considering a new challenge.
Caught Offside understands Liverpool are keen on bringing him to Anfield when his contract expires for free to bolster their defensive options.
The 3AM verdict: Liverpool’s dip defensively has been a huge cause for concern, with many in particular scrutinising the form of Ibrahima Konate, who has lacked consistency next to Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds are short on options at the back and could definitely benefit from Dayot Upamecano’s services. He’s a 35-time international, a three-time Bundesliga champion and a former World Cup finalist. He intriguingly played with Konate at RB Leipzig earlier in his career but would likely present a slight upgrade.
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