Report: Newcastle United are in the race to sign talented £17m defender | OneFootball

Newcastle United Track Ajax Defender as Premier League Interest Grows

Newcastle United’s recruitment team are once again looking towards the Eredivisie, with Ajax defender Youri Baas emerging as a serious option ahead of the January transfer window. According to reporting credited to TeamTalk, the 22 year old has moved firmly onto the radar of multiple Premier League clubs following an impressive run of performances in Amsterdam.

Baas has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past 18 months. After a productive loan spell at NEC Nijmegen, he returned to Ajax and swiftly became a first team regular. That pathway matters, especially for Premier League clubs seeking players who have already demonstrated resilience and adaptability within demanding tactical environments.

Ajax development fuels Premier League scouting

Baas’ appeal is rooted in reliability as much as potential. TeamTalk note his “composure on the ball, strong defensive reading, and ability to progress passes from the back”, traits increasingly non negotiable at elite level. His 91.5 percent pass completion rate underlines that assessment, while his versatility across centre back and left back roles further enhances his value.

Photo: IMAGO

Ajax’s defensive record this season has leaned heavily on his consistency, and scouts have taken notice. Sources indicate that Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are all actively monitoring his situation as January approaches.

Newcastle strategy under Eddie Howe

For Newcastle, the interest feels logical. Eddie Howe continues to balance ambition with pragmatism, and defensive depth has become a priority amid recurring injury concerns. The report states that Howe “is seeking additional depth in defence”, and Baas fits the age profile of a club building for both present and future.

The Magpies’ Saudi backed project remains attractive to emerging talents, particularly those eyeing European football in the medium term. Baas would not arrive as a finished article, but rather as a player capable of growing within a structured system.

Palace planning and Forest urgency

Crystal Palace’s interest is framed through longer term succession planning. With Marc Guehi’s contract unresolved, TeamTalk explain that Palace are “proactively planning for the departure of captain Marc Guehi”. Baas’ left foot and build up quality align with Oliver Glasner’s tactical preferences should a significant bid arrive in January.

Nottingham Forest’s stance is more immediate. Locked in another relegation battle, Forest reportedly view Baas as someone who could offer “immediate stability and future resale value”. Ajax’s recent contract extension until 2028 strengthens their negotiating position, with any deal expected to exceed €20million.

As further confirmed, “sources have also confirmed to my colleague Graeme Bailey that Newcastle, Palace and Forest are all watching the player closely”. January may determine who acts first.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Newcastle United supporter’s perspective, this report makes a lot of sense and raises quiet optimism rather than headline grabbing excitement. Baas is not a marquee name, but that feels deliberate. Newcastle’s best recent recruitment has often focused on players before they become inflated by hype.

Supporters have watched the defensive unit struggle with availability and balance, particularly when injuries hit. A young defender comfortable on the ball and tactically educated at Ajax ticks several boxes. There is also reassurance in Ajax extending his contract, it suggests Newcastle would be targeting a player valued highly by his current club, not someone being moved on.

There will be caution too. Spending over £17m on a defender with no Premier League experience is a calculated risk, especially in January. Fans will ask whether that money should go towards a more proven option. However, Baas feels like a move aligned with sustainability rather than desperation.

If Newcastle want to remain competitive while staying within financial constraints, this is the market they must continue to exploit. A deal would signal patience, planning, and trust in coaching. For supporters, that is often as encouraging as any big name arrival.