Liverpool showing interest in signing Kees Smit this summer | OneFootball

Liverpool have shown tentative interest in signing AZ Alkmaar central midfielder Kees Smit this summer, according to journalist Lewis Steele.

The Reds are keen on adding exceptional young talents to their roster, as evidenced by swoops for Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.

Liverpool are now looking at Smit, who is expected to be on the move after catching the eye this season.

Smit put his name on the map by playing a pivotal role as the Netherlands won the Under-19 European Championship, with the youngster named player of the tournament.

He has had a sensational campaign for AZ, recording five goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances.

Liverpool are not alone in the race, with Real Madrid, Newcastle United, and Chelsea linked with him.

Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister could leave this summer, and the 20-year-old would be a strong replacement.

Smit, who has been described as a ‘special‘ player, is not the only midfielder Liverpool are monitoring.

Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure and Tottenham Hotspur’s Archie Gray are also on their radar.

Liverpool must focus on their midfield priority

Liverpool must be careful not to lose sight of what their midfield truly lacks.

For all the technical quality and attacking promise Smit, Toure and Gray possess, none of them are natural holding midfielders.

The Reds need a disciplined, defensively astute presence who can shield the backline, control transitions and dictate tempo from deep.

Liverpool risk remaining unbalanced without that anchor.

Get that profile right, and it elevates everyone else, giving their more creative players the platform to truly flourish.