It is starting to look like Sandro Tonali will head for the Newcastle United exit door this summer. All the signs point in that direction. Naturally, the Magpies need to be on the lookout for replacements already.
Tottenham Hotspur have already had a significant offer, believed to be in the region of £75 million to £80 million, rejected by Newcastle United. It is believed that they would look for a figure closer to £100 million.
It remains to be seen if any suitor is will to meet that demand. Tottenham Hotspur are not the only ones after the signature of Tonali either. Arsenal and Manchester City are believed to be monitoring the Italian midfielder’s situation as well.
On the other hand, it looks like Newcastle United have already found a potential replacement for Tonali. It is a Dutch international it might take a significant transfer fee to sign.
Newcastle United eyeing Dutch international as Sandro Tonali’s replacement
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Newcastle United have identified Kees Smit as a possible replacement for Tonali. Eddie Howe’s recruitment staff have been working through a number of options and the Dutch international is one midfielder they admire greatly.
Of course, this is not the first time that Smit is being linked with a move to a top Premier League. Previously, he is believed to have been on the radar of Chelsea as well.
The Blues will look to sign more proven and experienced players this summer. That might make things a bit easier in the quest to bring Smit to St James’ Park.
Would Kees Smit be the right fit?
Smit could not find a place for himself in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad despite being so highly rated. This might encourage the 20-year-old to move to a top five European league to raise his status in the game further.
A club like Newcastle United could be the logical next step for him. One would imagine that he would get a decent amount of playing time straight out of the gates at St James’ Park.
Of course, any move might depend on the future of Tonali. It is not set in stone that he will leave this summer. That being said, when there is so much speculation over a player, they eventually end up leaving. That was the case with Alexander Isak last year. It is probably going to be the same with the Italian midfielder this year.
Coming back to Smit, he is the kind of player who shines with the ball at his feet. He is an exceptional passer of the ball. And he is also very good when it comes to recovering it and winning possession in the final third of the pitch.
Of course, there are weaknesses in his game as well, as you would expect in a 20-year-old. He gets dispossessed quite often and simply does not win enough of his duels, whether on the ground or in the air.
