Liverpool linked to Dutch starlet | OneFootball

Liverpool Circling Smit As Midfield Search Evolves

Reports from Soccer News via Sports Witness indicate that Liverpool are “considering a serious bid” for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, a player whose trajectory has become impossible to ignore. At 19, Smit has already pieced together a year of output that would stand out in any league, and the interest surrounding him reflects that.

Smit’s Rapid Rise

With 12 goals and seven assists across all competitions in 2025, Smit has placed himself firmly on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs. Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been linked, and the latest update adds Liverpool to that growing list.

He offers a blend of technical maturity and attacking instinct that is rare at his age. Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman even compared him to Pedri, a remark that inevitably pushes the conversation around Smit into a higher tier. It is clear that he is not being viewed as a long term project, but as someone capable of influencing a senior squad relatively quickly.

Slot’s Enduring Appreciation

Soccer News report that Arne Slot has admired Smit since his early days at AZ Alkmaar, noting that the Liverpool manager was “charmed by him” during his spell at the club. Working within the AZ system from 2017 to 2020, Slot would have seen Smit’s development close up and formed a detailed picture of his qualities.

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Liverpool are said to have tracked his progress for months and are now assessing whether to formalise their interest. One source noted “his creativity and attitude are exactly what Liverpool scouts look for”, while others believe he is open to a new challenge and eager to test himself at elite level.

Competitive Landscape Emerging

Any move for Smit will require decisive action. With several major clubs circling, Liverpool understand the dynamics of a market that rewards clarity, timing and coherent long term planning. His age and output ensure he will be one of the most closely watched midfielders in future windows.

The question now is whether Liverpool see this as the moment to step forward. Given Slot’s admiration and the club’s ongoing objective to integrate high ceiling profiles into the squad, Smit’s name is unlikely to fade from the discussion.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For supporters analysing this potential move, Smit fits the blueprint of a forward looking Liverpool recruitment approach. He is young, productive and technically strong, with clear upside. That alone makes him a worthwhile consideration, but the added factor of Slot’s longstanding admiration elevates the credibility of the link. When a manager knows a player’s background and personality as well as their ability, it often streamlines integration into a new environment.

The Pedri comparison from Koeman grabs attention, but fans will care more about how Smit might translate into Liverpool’s system. His creative output, his midfield intelligence and the consistency he has shown in the Eredivisie suggest he could adapt well to a high intensity structure. With Liverpool preparing for the next phase of their midfield evolution, investing early in a player who can grow with the team feels strategically sound.

Competition will be fierce. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Dortmund can each make compelling cases, and Newcastle’s financial capability is significant. Yet Liverpool’s recent Premier League title win under Slot and the clear pathway for young midfielders at the club offer strong counterpoints. If Liverpool act early and present a long term plan that resonates with Smit, Anfield becomes a realistic destination.