Journalist rules out Liverpool’s potential move for 20-year-old star | OneFootball

Liverpool Monitoring AZ Midfielder Kees Smit

Liverpool are among several clubs keeping close tabs on AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, but interest from Anfield remains in the early stages. Speaking to Dave Davis on Media Matters for Anfield Index, journalist Lewis Steele confirmed that while Smit is on the Reds’ radar, the 20-year-old Dutch talent is part of a wider multi-club pursuit.

Liverpool Among Several Clubs Interested

Smit has drawn attention with his progressive play in midfield and is reportedly on the shortlist of top European sides. Steele addressed the reports directly, saying: “I’ve heard his name mentioned in the past,” before clarifying the nature of Liverpool’s interest. “It’s one of them where it’s like, you know, Liverpool and Man City and Arsenal… it’s not saying Liverpool are leading the race, it’s just saying they would be in the conversation for this lad.”

That measured assessment reflects a growing but non-exclusive interest in Smit, rather than an active push for a deal at this stage.

No Indication of Imminent Move

Although Smit is viewed as a promising midfield option, Steele made it clear that a transfer is far from imminent. “There’s nothing more than that at the moment as far as I’m aware,” he said, noting that the situation appears to be a typical early-stage scouting case rather than a serious negotiation.

Photo: IMAGO

“It just seems strange Liverpool are being linked with a number eight at the moment,” Steele added, referencing the existing depth and contract talks ongoing with current midfielders such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch.

Smit Seen as Long-Term Prospect

While Smit may not be viewed as an immediate target, the link fits into a broader trend of Liverpool identifying emerging talents across Europe. His age and technical profile make him a logical name to monitor as the club continues its evolution under Arne Slot.

There’s no indication yet that Smit is a priority signing, but with Liverpool known for planning future windows well in advance, it would not be surprising to see further developments if interest intensifies over the coming months.

For now, as Lewis Steele summarised, “Liverpool are normally good at winning those races,” but there’s no suggestion that Smit is currently more than one of several players being tracked at this stage.