Liverpool are “looking” at completing the signing of AZ Alkmaar youngster Kees Smit, according to a new update from journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Reds must feel as though they need a host of new additions in 2026, given their current form, and sporting director Richard Hughes will be eyeing up fresh faces.
Granted, a huge amount has already been spent this summer, with Liverpool’s transfer record broken twice by bringing in Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, but the squad looks light in certain areas.
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke talked up Liverpool’s interest in Alkmaar star Smit, with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona also in the mix for the 19-year-old’s signature.
“Liverpool, like a lot of the top European clubs, are looking at Smit,” O’Rourke said.
“He is very highly regarded, regarded as one of the best young Dutch players to come through in recent years as well, he’s still only 19 but he’s a key player in that AZ team.
Dortmund, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Newcastle, all being linked with a move for Smit as well. So no surprises Liverpool are maybe in that hunt.
“It’s not an easy deal to do. I’d be very surprised if anything does happen in January. He’s under contract at AZ until 2028 and I’m sure AZ don’t want to lose such a key player like Smit mid-way through the season.
“So I don’t see a move happening in the January window. Maybe in the summer AZ might be more open to selling him but again it would be a big fee.”
A massive long-term prospect for Liverpool
Smit is a special talent, as O’Rourke’s words outline, with the teenager having the potential to mature into one of the leading midfielders in Europe over time.
At 19, he has already racked up 51 appearances for Alkmaar at senior level, as well as 46 for the Under-21s beforehand, and he has also won four caps for the Netherlands at the same youth level.
Liverpool should be looking at him as a fantastic long-term midfield option, especially with some doubts surrounding the futures of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, both of whom have been linked with Madrid.
