Newcastle fear another Liverpool gazump for midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool remain in picture as Newcastle cool Kees Smit interest

Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Kees Smit has received fresh backing after reports from a respected national journalist aligned with claims first made earlier this year regarding the highly-rated Dutch midfielder.

The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in European football following a breakthrough campaign with AZ Alkmaar. His performances in both domestic and continental competition have attracted significant attention, with Liverpool and Newcastle among the clubs linked with a move.

According to reporting that has resurfaced this week, Liverpool explored a potential move for Smit during the January transfer window and held initial discussions with the player’s representatives.

Kees Smit attracting attention across Europe

Smit’s development over the past 12 months has been impossible to ignore. The midfielder featured prominently for AZ Alkmaar throughout the 2025/26 season, demonstrating maturity beyond his years in one of Europe’s most productive talent factories.

In the Eredivisie, Smit made 26 league appearances, contributing three goals and three assists from midfield. His influence extended into European competition, where he registered four assists in 10 UEFA Conference League appearances.

Those numbers only tell part of the story. Smit’s technical quality, intelligence in possession and ability to dictate tempo have earned him widespread praise within Dutch football. His rise was recognised at international level when he was included in the Netherlands’ preliminary World Cup squad.

Although he ultimately missed out on Ronald Koeman’s final selection, his inclusion in the wider group highlighted the regard in which he is held.

Newcastle step back from transfer pursuit

The latest development centres on Newcastle’s position in the race.

Speaking on X, Edwards stated that Newcastle have admired Smit for an extended period but have reservations over whether the player genuinely wants to move to St James’ Park.

The journalist reported that Newcastle have liked Smit “for a while” but have not been convinced he wanted to join the club and therefore have not actively pursued a deal during the current transfer window.

Edwards also suggested that several clubs remain interested in the midfielder, adding that Newcastle are “not currently active in that conversation”.

Perhaps most significantly for Liverpool supporters, he advised followers to “keep an eye on Liverpool” while stressing that other clubs are also monitoring the situation closely.

Those comments appear to strengthen Liverpool’s position should they decide to accelerate their interest.

Liverpool strategy could favour patient approach

Liverpool’s recruitment model has consistently focused on identifying elite young talent before values reach prohibitive levels. Smit fits that profile perfectly.

The Dutch midfielder combines technical excellence with tactical flexibility and still has considerable room for development. Sources earlier this year indicated that Liverpool’s recruitment team viewed him as one of the most promising young midfielders available.

AZ Alkmaar are understood to be open to a sale if their valuation is met, with reports suggesting a fee in the region of £30 million could be required.

For a player of Smit’s age and potential, that figure may become increasingly attractive if competition intensifies over the coming months.

Contract situation adds intrigue to Liverpool chase

One factor likely to influence negotiations is Smit’s contract situation.

The midfielder remains under contract with AZ until the summer of 2028, meaning the Dutch club currently hold a strong negotiating position. However, there is growing recognition that elite European clubs will continue monitoring his progress and that a significant offer could eventually prove difficult to resist.

Liverpool are unlikely to rush into any decision, but the latest information suggests they remain firmly aware of developments surrounding the player.

With Newcastle seemingly stepping away from the conversation for now and multiple clubs circling, the coming months could prove decisive in determining Smit’s next move.

For Liverpool, the attraction is obvious. A technically gifted midfielder with proven Eredivisie pedigree, European experience and substantial long-term upside represents exactly the type of opportunity that has often appealed to decision-makers at Anfield.