Liverpool Track AZ Alkmaar Midfielder Kees Smit Ahead of £51.5m January Transfer

Liverpool are reportedly preparing to test AZ Alkmaar’s resolve for Kees Smit when the winter transfer window opens, with the Dutch midfielder said to be a leading target at Anfield.

Liverpool Watched Smit Against Sunderland

TeamTalk reports that Liverpool had eyes on AZ’s Europa League opener against Sunderland this week, taking a closer look at the 20-year-old. Smit has long been on Liverpool’s radar, and a fee in the region of £51.5m is believed to be enough to tempt the Eredivisie club into a deal in January.

Why Kees Smit Suits Liverpool

Smit is comfortable in several midfield roles, operating centrally, in a more advanced position or occasionally as a holding player. He is admired for his creativity and industry, and has already provided two assists in six outings this season.

Liverpool made several eye-catching signings over the summer, including Bradley Barcola, Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, yet no direct replacement arrived for Curtis Jones after his permanent switch to Inter Milan. Smit could fill that gap in 2027.

Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa Also Interested

Liverpool are not alone in their admiration. TeamTalk states that Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are all keen. Chelsea, in particular, could prove the toughest competition after failing to bring in a midfielder following Enzo Fernandez’s departure on deadline day.

Would Smit Get Regular Minutes at Anfield?

Competition for places would be fierce, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch all ahead of him in the pecking order.

In our view, Smit’s potential is obvious, but he is still raw and would probably be eased in gradually. A rotational role may not appeal to a talented 20-year-old, especially if Chelsea can offer a clearer route into the side. Liverpool’s ability to sell him a long-term project could prove decisive, though January may feel premature for both parties.