Newcastle United are approaching a defining period in their season, with the coming days set to shape both their short-term results and their longer-term ambitions. Eddie Howe and his squad still have work to do on the pitch, but attention is also starting to shift toward what the January transfer window could bring. With league positions tight and momentum fragile, every decision now carries extra weight.
The Magpies still have two Premier League matches to navigate before the calendar flips to a new year. First comes a demanding trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley, followed by a return to St James’ Park where Crystal Palace will provide the first home test of 2026.
Those fixtures may not look glamorous on paper, but they could prove crucial. A pair of wins would dramatically change the mood around the club, lifting Newcastle out of the bottom half and placing them firmly back in the conversation for European qualification next season.
On the other hand, dropped points would increase pressure and sharpen the focus on what reinforcements are truly needed.
This is why the timing of the January transfer window feels so important. It offers Newcastle a chance to refresh the squad, address problem areas, and give Howe the tools he needs to push on during the second half of the campaign.
The club are expected to be careful rather than reckless, but there is a clear understanding that smart business now could pay dividends later.
As usual, rumours have begun to gather pace, with several young midfielders linked to a possible move to Tyneside. One of the names that has emerged is Kees Smit, the highly rated teenager currently playing for AZ Alkmaar.
Newcastle have been monitoring Smit for some time and see him as a player with the potential to develop into something special. At just 19, he is already enjoying a breakthrough season in the Netherlands, and his performances have not gone unnoticed across Europe.
Smit’s rise has attracted interest from a number of major clubs, which complicates matters for Newcastle. Acting quickly in January could, in theory, allow them to steal a march on rivals, but that scenario appears unlikely.
The feeling around the industry is that AZ Alkmaar are in no rush to sell mid-season, especially with Smit becoming such an important part of their plans. There is also the financial aspect to consider. Any deal would likely cost in the region of 40 to 45 million euros, a significant outlay for a player so young.
Well-connected sources have suggested that Smit is more realistically one to watch for the future rather than an immediate January target. The expectation is that a move, if it happens at all, would be more likely in the summer. For Newcastle, that creates a dilemma.
Waiting until the end of the season would put them on a level playing field with other interested clubs, particularly once Profit and Sustainability Rules reset. However, convincing AZ to negotiate in January would be a major coup, even if it comes at a premium.
Alongside Smit, another midfielder has entered the conversation. Lamine Camara, currently with AS Monaco, is also understood to be on Newcastle’s radar. At 21, Camara is slightly older but already more established at senior level.
He is currently away on international duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, but attention is expected to intensify once he returns to club football.
Reports suggest Monaco could be open to selling Camara during the January window, provided their valuation is met. That stance alone makes him a more realistic option compared to some other targets.
While the exact fee has not been publicly confirmed, Monaco are known to drive hard bargains, particularly for young players with resale value. Newcastle, for their part, would need to be convinced that any deal makes sense both sporting-wise and financially.
What works in Camara’s favour is his profile. He fits the age bracket Newcastle are targeting and has already shown he can perform in a competitive European league.
He could offer energy, athleticism, and tactical flexibility in midfield, areas Howe has looked to strengthen as the season has progressed. Importantly, he may also be more attainable within the constraints of Newcastle’s budget.
Even so, the club are not expected to rush into anything. Newcastle’s hierarchy remain cautious about upsetting their long-term plans by overspending in January.
The lessons of recent windows are still fresh, and there is a strong desire to remain compliant with financial regulations while continuing to build a squad capable of competing at the top end of the league.
That careful approach means January business, if it happens, is likely to be targeted rather than dramatic. The club know that one or two well-chosen additions could be enough to lift performance levels and ease the burden on key players. At the same time, they are aware that missing out on the right profile could do more harm than good.
As things stand, Kees Smit appears more like a summer ambition than a winter signing, while Lamine Camara may represent a more realistic opportunity if Monaco’s demands align with Newcastle’s valuation.
Much will depend on how the next two league games unfold and whether any new injuries or form issues force the club’s hand.
For now, the focus remains on results, but behind the scenes, plans are being shaped. January could offer Newcastle a chance to get ahead of the curve, or it could be a window of patience and preparation. Either way, the decisions made in the coming weeks will play a big role in defining how the rest of the season unfolds.
