Report: Newcastle Eye £25m-Rated Ajax Star Kenneth Taylor – Midfield Maestro Compared to Toni Kroos
Newcastle United are weighing up a move for Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor, with reports suggesting he could be available for a fee in the region of £25 million, according to NUFC Blog.
The Magpies head into the 2025/26 season on the back of one of their most successful campaigns in decades. Last term, Eddie Howe’s men made history by lifting their first piece of English silverware in 70 years, defeating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. To add to the jubilation, Newcastle clinched a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season — marking their second qualification for Europe’s elite competition in just three years.
However, the summer transfer window has been far from smooth for the Tyneside outfit. Newcastle have endured a string of setbacks in the market, missing out on several high-profile targets. Their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko ended in disappointment, and failed attempts to land James Trafford, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Bryan Mbeumo have left fans frustrated.
Compounding their challenges, star striker Alexander Isak is reportedly pushing for a move away, with Liverpool said to be his preferred destination. While the search for a potential replacement up front is ongoing, Howe and his recruitment team are also turning their attention to strengthening the midfield — a department that has been thinned by departures and injuries.
Midfield Reinforcements a Priority
The recent sale of Sean Longstaff to Leeds United has left a gap in the middle of the park, while Joe Willock’s inconsistent form and injury struggles have limited his impact. Young prospect Lewis Miley showed flashes of potential last season but was not a regular feature in Howe’s starting XI. With Champions League football on the horizon, squad depth will be crucial, and Newcastle are keen to add a dynamic presence to their midfield options.
Kenneth Taylor has now emerged as a leading candidate. The 23-year-old, a product of Ajax’s renowned academy, has been a first-team regular since making his debut in 2020. Under manager Francesco Farioli last season, Taylor enjoyed a breakout campaign, registering an impressive 15 goals in all competitions — remarkable numbers for a central midfielder. His performances earned him Ajax’s Player of the Year award, further underlining his influence.
A Different Dimension for Howe
Taylor’s playing style has drawn comparisons to Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos, thanks to his composed distribution, tactical awareness, and ability to dictate the tempo of games. Left-footed and technically gifted, he is capable of operating both as a deep-lying playmaker and in more advanced attacking roles. This versatility would give Howe a fresh tactical option, especially if the team is forced to cope without Isak’s goal-scoring threat.
With a reported asking price of £25 million, Taylor represents a realistic target for Newcastle, particularly given the club’s need to add proven quality to maintain their upward trajectory. While competition for his signature is likely, the Magpies’ lure of Champions League football and the chance to play in the Premier League could be decisive factors.
If Newcastle can secure Taylor’s services, it would mark a significant boost to their midfield and potentially help offset the turbulence of what has so far been a frustrating transfer window. For Howe, adding a player of Taylor’s calibre could be exactly what’s needed to keep the club competing at the highest level both domestically and in Europe.