Report: Liverpool eyeing move to sign 19-year-old midfield wonderkid | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Smart January Move Could Be Kees Smit, Not Antoine Semenyo

As the January window looms, Liverpool are once again linked with several attacking names. Yet according to Rousing the Kop, Arne Slot’s priority could be shifting toward a young midfielder rather than another forward. With Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo already catching the headlines, it’s the emergence of AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit that could truly shape Liverpool’s next chapter.

Midfield Reinforcement Over Attacking Spark

After a £400m summer outlay, Slot’s side have struggled to click during the early stages of the campaign. As the original article noted, “Arne Slot has so far struggled to fit his new pieces together, leading to a disjointed and at times terrible start to the campaign for Liverpool.” That frank assessment reflects what many supporters feel — the system still needs balance.

Semenyo, described as “explosive,” has undoubtedly improved since his Bristol City days. But as Rousing the Kop pointed out, “he is not a player who will move the dial at Liverpool.” The Reds already boast attacking options in abundance, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

In contrast, Kees Smit offers something Liverpool genuinely lack: a long-term midfield understudy capable of both controlling and breaking lines. “Smit on the other hand, is a player who could make a tangible difference to Liverpool,” the article stated, arguing that the 19-year-old could help preserve Ryan Gravenberch’s form by sharing the load.

Why Kees Smit Fits Slot’s System

Slot’s blueprint at Anfield relies on intelligent, technically adept midfielders who can rotate fluidly. Smit, already boasting 50 senior appearances for AZ, has shown the maturity and decision-making required to thrive in that system.

As Rousing the Kop highlighted, “In time, the Dutchman could also grow to become a regular starter in Liverpool’s midfield.” That pathway mirrors Slot’s own philosophy of nurturing adaptable young talents into core players rather than quick-fix signings.

The statistics back up the intrigue. At just 19, Smit has featured heavily in the Eredivisie, showing composure under pressure and the ability to dictate tempo. His positional versatility between central and defensive roles aligns perfectly with Slot’s tactical demands.

Long-Term Vision for the Midfield

Liverpool may appear well-stocked in midfield with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Gravenberch, but squad depth has been tested in recent weeks. The piece explained that “Slot’s overuse of Gravenberch shows that he clearly does not trust any of his players to do what the 23-year-old does.”

If Semenyo brings short-term flair, Smit could represent structure, sustainability, and the steady heartbeat Liverpool need in a midfield rebuild.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters will be intrigued by this emerging narrative. While Antoine Semenyo is an exciting name and offers directness, many fans know Arne Slot’s approach is about control, not chaos. His system thrives when midfielders dictate play, compress space, and sustain attacking pressure — qualities Kees Smit already shows in abundance for AZ Alkmaar.

Fans remember how Slot built his Feyenoord side around disciplined, multifunctional midfielders rather than headline-grabbing forwards. Smit fits that mould perfectly. He could gradually take over rotational duties with Ryan Gravenberch, offering balance during intense Premier League and European stretches.

What excites supporters most is the long-term planning. Liverpool’s recruitment in recent years has leaned toward sustainable development, and Smit’s signing would underline that philosophy. “He would not be hugely expensive for Liverpool,” the report noted, and at 19, he represents both future value and present utility.

In essence, this isn’t about adding star power, it’s about reinforcing the collective. With Slot steering the post-Klopp era, smart, data-backed signings like Smit could define the next Liverpool dynasty. For a fanbase that loves graft as much as glamour, that’s a prospect worth getting behind.