Newcastle United Lock Horns With Crystal Palace To Sign 22-Year-Old Versatile Defender: Will He Be A Good Signing For The Magpies? | OneFootball

Reputed journalist Fraser Fletcher reports that Crystal Palace and Newcastle United actively intend to battle for the signature of Ajax’s defensive revelation, Youri Baas. Premier League scouts frequently monitor the Dutch top flight for emerging talent. Currently, Baas stands out as a prime candidate for a January move.

Youri Baas saga:

The 22-year-old solidified his reputation after he returned from a productive loan spell at NEC Nijmegen. During that time, he gathered essential first-team experience. Baas subsequently forced his way into the Ajax starting lineup. He now serves as a versatile pillar in their backline. So far, he has made 22 appearances this season and even scored a goal.

Specific squad gaps drive this intense interest from England. Crystal Palace executives view the Dutchman as the ideal replacement for Marc Guehi. They expect that their current captain will leave soon. The Eagles prefer to keep Guehi until the summer.

However, they realise that a big offer could force them to sell. On the other hand, Newcastle United face a defensive crisis. Injuries and an ageing squad slow down their progress. Eddie Howe needs younger players right now.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Youri Baas of AFC Ajax holds off Estevao of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on October 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Key men like Dan Burn and Fabian Schär have recently hit the final stages of their careers. Because of this, the Magpies view Baas’s ability to play as both a centre-back and a left-back as a perfect fix for their current lack of numbers.

Still, Ajax hold the advantage in any talks. They recently tied Baas down with a contract extension until 2028. This means the Amsterdam club feels no pressure to sell him on the cheap. Therefore, any club that wants to pull him away from the Johan Cruyff Arena must offer more than €20 million. Both English sides now compare their options as the winter transfer window gets closer. They know that signing such a top prospect takes a serious financial commitment.

The Magpies definitely need Youri Baas to fix their shaky defence. The squad lacks real backup on the left side. Baas offers a quick solution because he can play multiple roles and stays calm under pressure. If Newcastle United sign a 22-year-old talent, it fixes the problem of an ageing backline before Eddie Howe finds himself in a desperate spot.