
EPL Index
·5. Juli 2025
Liverpool and Madrid Locked in Battle for Dutch Midfield Talent

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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·5. Juli 2025
Kees Smit may not be a household name just yet, but the 19-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder has sparked a full-blown tug-of-war between European royalty. Real Madrid and Liverpool lead a queue of elite suitors circling the Dutch wonderkid, whose creativity and end product are making waves across the continent.
The battle for Smit has taken a dramatic twist. According to Defensa Central, “Xabi Alonso has analysed his first performance reports and has come to the conclusion that he is the player the Merengue sports department needs.” It is a statement of serious intent from Madrid’s new manager, who knows a thing or two about controlling a midfield.
Photo: IMAGO
While Madrid may be pushing hardest, the Premier League’s giants have not stepped aside. TBR reports that Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Brighton and Hove Albion are all interested in acquiring the services of the Eredivisie’s latest gem.
This summer has already seen heavy movement from both Madrid and Liverpool. Arne Slot’s new-look side has welcomed Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman, with Giorgi Mamardashvili also on the way. Slot is building a side to both challenge now and evolve long-term.
Photo IMAGO
Madrid, meanwhile, have landed Dean Huijsen and even more shockingly, Trent Alexander-Arnold, while the teenage Argentine star Franco Mastantuono will join in August. Both clubs are far from done, with striker reinforcements still on their radar, but it’s midfield where both appear laser-focused on the future.
Smit has emerged as a prime target. His 10 goals and seven assists in 43 games last season have made him one of the standout young performers in the Dutch Eredivisie. He was instrumental in AZ’s campaign and has demonstrated a maturity and consistency well beyond his years.
Smit didn’t just shine domestically. He took the international stage by storm this summer as part of the Netherlands Under-19 side that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
“Not only was Smit the joint top scorer in the tournament with four goals, but the 19-year-old was also awarded the Player of the Tournament and was included in the Team of the Tournament.”
That level of output at youth international level will only intensify the spotlight. It also explains why Madrid’s interest has gone from mild curiosity to serious pursuit. Marca describes Smit as “an unknown gem” and says “playing for Real Madrid would be a dream come true.”
Smit is under contract at AZ, and his transfer will not come cheap. Ziggo Sport prompted the midfielder about a possible €25 million price tag. Smit, with refreshing humour, replied, “Well, more, I think. Maybe five or 10 million more.”
He later added, “I read a lot of things and see big clubs passing by, that’s cool. I have to think carefully about what I’m going to do, but I think I’ll stay at AZ. The most important thing is that I play football as much as possible, play, get better. Because I can still be a lot better.”
Madrid might agree with that final statement. Defensa Central claims that although the club’s board likes Smit, they are reluctant to pay full price and may sell Daniel Ceballos to fund a move.
Smit’s honesty is refreshing. So too is his desire to continue developing through consistent game time. In an era where so many teenage talents are rushed to the top, Smit’s perspective could end up being his biggest strength.
He knows the power of his performances. And he knows what comes next could define the trajectory of his entire career.
With so many giants circling and midfield dynamics shifting at both Liverpool and Madrid, Smit will be watched like a hawk. The decision, though, rests with him and AZ for now.
Kees Smit is exactly the kind of midfield profile Liverpool should be chasing. He’s dynamic, decisive in the final third and most importantly, driven to improve. That quote about wanting to play as much as possible and get better? That fits right in with Arne Slot’s player development model. With Curtis Jones, Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott all battling for minutes, another young technician with final-third output would deepen the squad beautifully.
Yes, the report from Defensa Central that “Xabi Alonso has analysed his first performance reports and has come to the conclusion that he is the player the Merengue sports department needs” does sting a little. Alonso knows what kind of midfielder thrives in elite sides, and his admiration for Smit is telling.
But all is not lost for Liverpool. The player himself admits, “I think I’ll stay at AZ.” That pause in his journey might allow Liverpool’s sporting department to lay the groundwork for a 2025 move, especially if Madrid baulk at paying a full fee this summer.
At a quoted fee of €25–35 million, Smit is attainable. And with Liverpool’s shifting midfield identity under Slot, he could be a perfect fit in a fluid 4-3-3 or even as part of a box midfield setup. Fans will be watching this one closely, hoping Madrid’s head is turned elsewhere.
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