Report: Liverpool frontrunners to sign Dutch midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool Lead Race For Kees Smit As Midfield Plans Evolve

Liverpool’s recruitment strategy rarely stands still. Even amid an uneven domestic campaign, planning for renewal continues beneath the surface. Fresh reporting credited to BILD journalist Christian Falk has now placed the club firmly at the front of the queue for AZ Alkmaar’s emerging midfield talent Kees Smit, a development that signals both forward thinking and positional recalibration at Anfield.

After a record breaking summer outlay exceeding £400 million, which delivered Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool’s on pitch consistency has not matched investment levels. Their title defence has faltered, leaving Champions League qualification as an urgent objective rather than an assumed outcome.

Recruitment attention has therefore shifted toward midfield sustainability.

Falk Reveals Transfer Hierarchy

Christian Falk’s insight offers clarity on the current market positioning. Speaking on the developing pursuit, he stated, “From what I understand, Arsenal and the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid are closer to signing this player [Kees Smit] than Bayern Munich.”

That hierarchy reframes earlier speculation suggesting Bayern Munich would lead negotiations. Instead, the Bundesliga champions appear to be standing back from midfield investment this summer.

Falk reinforced that view, adding, “It’s not hot for Bayern Munich. Smit is a player Arsenal is also interested in, so for Goretzka, this could be a potential rival for his position next summer.”

Such comments underline both Smit’s perceived ceiling and the level of competition forming around his signature. When clubs of Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid’s stature converge on one profile, valuation inflation often follows.

Rising Dutch Prospect Commands Attention

Smit’s emergence has been one of the Eredivisie’s most compelling developmental stories this season. Technically secure, positionally mature and progressive in possession, he has drawn comparisons to modern hybrid midfielders capable of blending control with vertical thrust.

Liverpool’s recruitment team reportedly view him as a long term investment rather than immediate starter, a player whose trajectory aligns with squad evolution rather than short term repair.

Initial dialogue between Liverpool and AZ Alkmaar has already taken place, with figures around £30 million discussed. Yet with elite competition intensifying, that valuation could rise sharply before formal bids crystallise.

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Midfield Evolution At Anfield

Liverpool’s interest is shaped by subtle structural considerations rather than headline urgency. The midfield unit retains depth, yet future planning remains essential.

Curtis Jones continues to attract external interest, while Alexis Mac Allister’s fluctuating form has prompted internal reflection. Injecting younger energy would future proof the department while maintaining competitive standards.

Smit, labelled “special” within scouting circles, fits that recruitment ideology. His development curve suggests a player capable of integrating gradually before assuming greater responsibility.

Arne Slot’s familiarity with Dutch football ecosystems could also prove influential. Knowledge of player psychology, tactical schooling and league adaptation often accelerates negotiation confidence.

Summer Battle Taking Shape

With Arsenal and Real Madrid positioned alongside Liverpool, the race for Smit appears set to intensify as the window approaches. Newcastle United’s monitoring adds further competitive texture.

Liverpool’s advantage may lie in pathway clarity. The club’s recent history of nurturing emerging European midfielders into elite Premier League performers strengthens their recruitment pitch.

Should talks accelerate, this pursuit could become one of the summer’s defining midfield acquisitions, blending developmental foresight with competitive ambition.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, the link to Kees Smit would feel strategically reassuring. Midfield refreshment has been a recurring discussion point, particularly with squad evolution required over multiple seasons rather than single windows.

Fans would welcome the pursuit of a high ceiling talent rather than a short term stopgap. Smit’s technical security and progressive passing align with Liverpool’s possession framework, especially in matches requiring midfield control against deep defensive blocks.

There would also be intrigue around Arne Slot’s influence. Supporters recognise the value of managerial familiarity when integrating Eredivisie prospects into Premier League intensity.

Financial caution would remain part of supporter debate, yet investment in emerging quality would broadly be viewed as sustainable squad architecture rather than speculative spending.