Liverpool have shown tentative interest in bringing AZ Alkmaar central midfielder Kees Smit to Anfield this summer, according to Lewis Steele.
The Reds are keen on adding exceptional young talents to their roster, as evidenced by swoops for Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.
Liverpool are now looking at Smit, who is expected to be on the move this summer after catching the eye this season.
Smit put his name on the map by playing a pivotal role as the Netherlands won the Under-19 European Championship, with the youngster named player of the tournament.
He went on to enjoy a sensational campaign for AZ, recording five goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances.
However, Liverpool are not alone in the race for his signature, with Real Madrid, Newcastle United, and Chelsea linked to the exciting 20-year-old.
Smit will be a terrific addition to the Liverpool engine room. The Reds are poised to lose Curtis Jones this summer.
He wants to leave for more game time, and Smit can replace him.
Alexis Mac Allister is another midfielder who could leave Anfield this summer following a disappointing campaign.
Smit, a ‘special’ talent, can fill in for the Argentine international.
Interestingly, Smit is not the only midfielder Liverpool are keeping eyes on.
The report also mentions that they are following TSG Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure and Tottenham Hotspur’s Archie Gray.
These are undoubtedly exciting, high-upside talents, but Liverpool must be careful not to lose sight of what their midfield truly lacks.
For all the technical quality and attacking promise Smit, Toure and Gray possess, none are natural holding midfielders.
What the Reds need most is a specialist – a disciplined, defensively astute presence who can shield the backline, control transitions and dictate tempo from deep.
Without that anchor, Liverpool risk remaining unbalanced.
Get that profile right, and it elevates everyone else, giving their more creative players the platform to truly flourish.