Liverpool Are Leading The Race For This Eredivisie Midfielder: Should The Reds Go For Him? | OneFootball

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke mentioned that Liverpool are leading the race for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit. O’Rourke said,

“I think it’ll be difficult for Newcastle to try and land a player like Smit in the summer.

“Obviously, he’s a player that has attracted interest from a number of top clubs across Europe with the form that he’s shown at AZ this season.

“Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal are all being mentioned as potential destinations for Smit.

“Newcastle obviously, if they’re not able to offer Champions League football to potential transfer targets like Smit, it will harm their chances of signing him.”

Smit’s Impressive Record In Dutch Football

Smit has proven his worth as a reliable performer at the centre of Alkmaar’s midfield during this campaign so far. The 20-year-old has registered four goals and secured eight assists in 40 matches for the Dutch outfit this season in all competitions.

The talented playmaker is currently one of the best young midfielders in the Dutch Eredivisie. Hence, it is no surprise that Liverpool are in the running to sign Smit this summer.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar warms up prior to the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Crystal Palace FC and AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park on November 06, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Should Liverpool Go For Smit This Summer?

Smit loves a tackle and can sense the danger well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing his lines when the opposition are on the front foot.

Standing at 1.85m, the Dutch talent can use his strong frame to overpower the opposition in the middle of the park. Smit can even chip in by scoring and creating a handful of important goals for his team from midfield. However, there are some concerns over whether he can maintain his good form in the Premier League.

Still, we can expect Smit to bring more quality to Liverpool’s midfield department. He is good enough to challenge for a regular first-team spot at the Merseyside club in the coming seasons.

At 20, Smit has got the potential to be a future star in the Premier League as long as he continues to improve with each season. He will also help the Reds compete across all fronts over the next few years. Therefore, Liverpool would be wise to go for Smit in the summer transfer period.