Liverpool consider move for ‘New Pedri’ | OneFootball

Liverpool Tracking Smit As Midfield Market Heats Up

Liverpool are weighing up a major move for AZ Alkmaar talent Kees Smit, with reports from Soccer News via Sports Witness stating that the club are “considering a serious bid” for the 19 year old midfielder. The youngster has become one of the most talked about prospects in Dutch football and the links carry extra intrigue given Arne Slot’s history with him.

Rising Stock Of Kees Smit

Smit has enjoyed an outstanding 2025, delivering 12 goals and seven assists across all competitions. European giants have taken note and the list of admirers is already long. Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been connected, and according to Soccer News, Liverpool are firmly in the mix.

His combination of technical precision, tactical intelligence and end product has elevated him into the bracket of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders. Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman added to the buzz by saying Smit carries similarities to Pedri, a comparison that will only increase the spotlight on him.

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Slot’s Long Standing Admiration

The report explains that Slot has followed Smit for years, with Soccer News revealing the Liverpool manager was “charmed by him” during his time at AZ Alkmaar. Slot worked within the AZ structure from 2017 to 2020 and those early impressions seem to have stayed with him.

It is said that Liverpool have been monitoring Smit for months and are now weighing up whether to advance their interest. Influential figures in England believe Smit is open to a move, with the young midfielder eager to test himself at the highest level.

One source close to the situation suggested that Slot views Smit as a player who fits the long term identity he wants his midfield to embody. Another claimed “his creativity and attitude are exactly what Liverpool scouts look for”.

Transfer Battle On The Horizon

With so many major clubs circling, Liverpool know that any approach has to be decisive. Smit’s age and output make him one of the hottest properties in the upcoming windows. For a club aiming to continuously refresh its squad with elite potential, the appeal is obvious.

The key factor now is whether Liverpool choose to accelerate their plans and establish themselves as frontrunners before the competition intensifies. Given Slot’s admiration and the club’s clear need for long term midfield regeneration, this emerging story looks set to develop further.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this kind of link feels logical and exciting. A 19 year old midfielder with strong creative numbers, glowing references and genuine high ceiling traits is exactly the profile that has worked well for the club in previous rebuilds. Slot’s personal connection to Smit adds weight too. Managers often push hardest for players they know and trust, and if Slot has rated him since his AZ days, that tells you a lot about both talent and temperament.

The comparison with Pedri by Ronald Koeman will turn heads, although supporters will be cautious about such labels. What matters more is that Smit is already delivering end product at senior level and appears ready for a bigger challenge. With Liverpool preparing for future evolution in midfield and some long term planning required, this feels like a move that could suit the club strategically and financially.

Competition will be fierce. Barcelona and Real Madrid rarely lose out when they truly commit, while Dortmund and Newcastle offer strong development pathways. But Liverpool’s pulling power under Slot, especially after winning the Premier League title in his first season, should not be underestimated. If the club act early and demonstrate a clear role for him, Smit could view Anfield as the ideal next step in his career.