🚨 𝐋𝐅𝐂 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 Here’s a fresh transfer update/article-style piece on Kees Smit to Liverpool: Kees Smit to Liverpool: Reds Eye AZ Alkmaar Prodigy for 2026 Project 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 👇👇👇

🔴 LFC Transfer News: Liverpool Eye AZ Alkmaar Prodigy Kees Smit for 2026 Project

Liverpool are reportedly preparing a serious run at Kees Smit, the highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder from AZ Alkmaar, as part of their long-term build under Arne Slot. According to multiple sources, the Reds see him as a key piece for their midfield future. (TEAMtalk)

Why Smit Is on Liverpool’s Radar

• Old Connection with Slot: Arne Slot apparently knows Smit very well — the pair worked together years ago at AZ. (Rousing The Kop)
• Pedri Comparisons: Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has even likened Smit to Barcelona’s Pedri, thanks to his vision, two-footed play, and calmness under pressure. (Tribuna)
• Rising Stock: This season, Smit has shown consistent form with AZ — adding goals, assists, and control in midfield. (Tribuna)

The Competition Is Fierce

Liverpool are not alone. Clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Newcastle, and even Bayern Munich are all reportedly watching Smit closely. (Sports Mole) AZ Alkmaar are said to value him at around €25 million for a potential move. (Sports Mole)

Challenges for a January Move

While Liverpool are keen, there’s a catch: AZ are apparently not keen to sell mid-season. (Football Insider) Reports suggest that a deal is more likely to happen in summer when AZ are more open to negotiations. (Football Transfers)

Liverpool would probably need to pay a “big fee” to make it happen. (Football Insider)

What Smit Could Bring to Liverpool

• Technical Quality: Excellent in tight spaces, great vision, and good with both feet. (Transfermarkt)
• Midfield Versatility: He can play as a deep-lying playmaker, in a box-to-box role, or even more advanced — giving Slot tactical flexibility. (Transfermarkt)
• Long-Term Upside: At just 19, he could become a core part of Liverpool’s midfield for years, especially under a manager who believes in youth.

Risks and Considerations

• Paying a hefty fee for a teenager always carries risk, especially when other elite clubs are circling.
• There’s a question of readiness: would Liverpool expect him to contribute immediately, or be patient with his development?
• If he arrives in January, will he displace current midfielders — or simply provide rotation?

Bottom Line

Liverpool’s interest in Kees Smit isn’t just a short-term gambit: it looks like a strategic bet on one of Europe’s top young midfielders. Whether they push for a January deal or wait until summer, Smit could be a key part of Slot’s long-term project at Anfield.