If a recent report from Dutch outlet Soccer News is believed to be true, Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Kees Smit ahead of a potential winter transfer. But they are not alone in the race, with European heavyweights like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Newcastle United also in the mix for the highly-rated AZ Alkmaar midfield prospect.
The 19-year-old Netherlands U21 international progressed through AZ’s academy ranks before securing a regular role for their reserves in Eerste Divisie. His promises and potential earned him a sporadic senior status last season, and the gaffer, Maarten Martens, has now promoted the teenager as a first-team regular since the inception of the current campaign.
Predominantly a ‘number 8’, Smit has exhibited his flexibility down the deep, as well as from an advanced playmaking role. Arne Slot is a big admirer of his fellow countryman and has reportedly sanctioned a January move after monitoring his development over the years.
Liverpool spent almost £450m in the summer on the way to scripting a squad overhaul. However, the Dutchman has failed to find the right balance, and the Reds are now struggling for results despite a strong start to their Premier League title defence.
Why Liverpool Are Chasing Another Midfielder
The champions of England roped in eight first-team signings. Yet they have relied on the mastery of Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister in the centre of the pitch. The trio dominated their midfield game in Slot’s 4-2-3-1 set-up, but the manager has lacked a definite game plan so far this term, particularly in an attempt to integrate Wirtz in a free role in and around the attacking third. Mac Allister’s lack of form and Curtis Jones’ inconsistency have forced Szoboszlai and Gravenberch to take on additional workload in the starting XI.
Meanwhile, Liverpool also have veteran Wataru Endo as a squad option. But the 32-year-old Japanese ace has largely been overlooked by the Dutch boss. He might not have a future beyond the summer of 2026, and so is Stefan Bajcetic, who has yet to regain fitness since undergoing a hamstring surgery during pre-season.
Nevertheless, AZ would demand a club-record fee, surpassing AC Milan’s £22.1m swoop for Tijjani Reijnders in 2023. The Merseysiders are supposed to have a quiet winter, but the management have changed their stance time and again in the past for the right player. Their Dutch connection should fascinate the youngster, even though his minutes would be compromised if a transfer were to take place in due time.
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