According to Teamtalk, Liverpool are keeping tabs on AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit ahead of a possible approach during the winter transfer window.
The Merseyside giants had a good summer with plenty of high-profile signings. Bradley Barcola, Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz were the most notable additions and there could be more next year.
A central midfielder appears the next priority for Liverpool and Teamtalk claim that the Reds were keeping a close eye on Smit during AZ’s Europa League opener against Sunderland earlier this week.
The Dutchman has been a long-term target for the Anfield heavyweights and it is claimed that a package of around £51.5 million could be sufficient to prise him away from AZ at the turn of the year.
Big talent
The 20-year-old can operate in multiple midfield positions. He is known for his creativity and work rate in the centre of the park and has already registered two assists in six appearances across all competitions this campaign.
Liverpool may see him as a potential replacement for Curtis Jones, who left for Inter Milan on a permanent basis this summer. The Reds did not find a suitable replacement, but may seek to address it at the start of 2027.
Smit is far from a complete midfielder at the moment, but the Dutchman has immense potential. He is generally a central or attacking midfielder, but has also featured as a number six on several occasions for AZ.
His versatility and huge ceiling could be a reason behind Liverpool’s long-term pursuit, but they are not alone in the race with Teamtalk citing that Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are among his admirers too.
Chelsea were unable to add a new midfielder after Enzo Fernandez’s exit on deadline day on September 1, and the Blues could pose the biggest threat to Liverpool in the quest to sign Smit from AZ in the next transfer window.
It remains to be seen whether Smit is tempted to make the switch in January. He may have to settle for a rotational role behind Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch if he were to join the…..
