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Liverpool Transfer Plans Gather Pace Around Midfield Wonderkid

Liverpool are positioning themselves for another targeted recruitment drive, with attention turning towards the midfield and a potential deal for Kees Smit emerging as one to monitor closely. According to Ekrem Konur, AZ Alkmaar are prepared to sanction a move for their highly rated midfielder for around €30m, a figure that would attract serious interest at Anfield as planning continues for future windows.

While Liverpool reshaped their midfield dramatically in the summer of 2023, adding four senior players alongside Trey Nyoni, the department has largely been left untouched since. That approach has been vindicated by strong development from Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, while Wataru Endo has provided dependable depth. However, with Endo approaching the latter stages of his career and dealing with increasing injury issues, the club’s hierarchy are assessing longer term solutions.

Midfield succession shaping Liverpool thinking

Arne Slot attempted to add further depth during his first season as Liverpool manager, with Martin Zubimendi identified as a leading option, though efforts led by Richard Hughes ultimately fell short. Liverpool have not felt immediate pressure to revisit the area, particularly after winning the Premier League in 2024-25, but internal discussions point towards 2026 as a key point for renewal.

There is an awareness that Gravenberch cannot carry the holding role alone over multiple competitions, while Szoboszlai’s intensity and running power should not be overburdened. Liverpool are therefore scanning for midfielders capable of combining athleticism with technical quality, ideally with scope to develop under Slot’s coaching.

Kees Smit profile attracts Anfield interest

Kees Smit fits that brief. The 19-year-old has progressed rapidly at AZ Alkmaar and is widely regarded as one of the most promising midfielders in European football. Slot’s familiarity with Dutch football, shaped during his time in the Eredivisie and his title winning spell at Feyenoord, has strengthened Liverpool’s confidence in the league as a recruitment market.

Smit is described as a cultured, technical midfielder, comfortable carrying the ball through pressure and covering significant ground. His intensity and aggression mirror aspects of Szoboszlai’s game, while his timing when arriving into the box adds another dimension. He also contributes effectively during build-up play, suggesting the profile of a well-rounded modern midfielder.

Eredivisie pathway appeals Liverpool recruiters

Liverpool’s track record in the Eredivisie underlines why Smit is being closely monitored. Cody Gakpo has proven a success since his arrival, and Luis Suarez remains one of the club’s most iconic signings from the Dutch league. Liverpool do not regularly recruit from the Eredivisie, but when they do, the outcomes have often justified the strategy.

Securing a player of that calibre at this stage of his development would align with Liverpool’s long term planning. It is the type of deal that reflects strategic patience, with an eye on sustained success rather than short term fixes.

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