Liverpool receive boost in pursuit of Kees Smit

Liverpool’s long standing interest in Kees Smit has been given renewed momentum, following fresh developments in the race for the AZ Alkmaar midfielder. Reports revealed last week that Liverpool have been closely tracking the 19 year old for an extended period, with internal scouting reports placing him firmly among the most highly rated young midfielders in the Netherlands.

Smit’s rapid rise at AZ has not gone unnoticed across Europe, but shifting dynamics elsewhere could now play into Liverpool’s hands as the summer window approaches.

Liverpool interest in Kees Smit gathers pace

Smit has established himself as a regular at AZ far quicker than many expected. Operating primarily as a central or defensive midfielder, he has already amassed more than 30 senior league appearances, contributing goals and assists in both Eredivisie and European competition despite his age.

During the current campaign, he has started the majority of AZ’s league fixtures, logging over 1,500 minutes. His output has been particularly impressive given his role, with strong numbers for chance creation, goals and assists when compared to others in his position across the division. Those performances have reinforced Liverpool’s belief that Smit has the technical and tactical profile to adapt to the Premier League.

Press resistant, composed in possession and capable of dictating tempo between the lines, Smit is viewed as a player with a very high ceiling. Comparisons to Pedri have emerged in some quarters, reflecting both his technical security and the maturity of his decision making at such a young age.

AZ stance and valuation clear

AZ are fully aware of the level of interest surrounding their academy product and are preparing to demand a club record fee. Internally, there is an acceptance that Smit may move on if the right offer arrives, but only on their terms.

The Dutch club are understood to be targeting a deal that could rise towards 60 million euros including add ons, a valuation that has already begun to thin the field of serious suitors. Liverpool remain attentive to those conditions, weighing Smit’s long term potential against the likely financial commitment required.

Real Madrid hesitation reshapes race

One notable shift has emerged in Spain. Real Madrid, previously among the clubs monitoring Smit, are now reported to have cooled their interest. According to Diario AS, concerns have grown following the involvement of super agent Jorge Mendes in negotiations.

Madrid are reluctant to enter a premium priced bidding scenario for a player who would initially be competing for minutes in an already crowded midfield. The report is explicit in its assessment of the situation:

“The entry of Jorge Mendes makes the operation more expensive, which means adding certain difficulties for Madrid. AZ Alkmaar aspire to a sale that reaches 60 million euros between fixed and variable, a very high figure that, given the way the white team proceeds in the market, it will be necessary to reduce in order to reach an agreement,” reports Christian Blasco.

That stance effectively removes one heavyweight from the equation, easing pressure on clubs like Liverpool who continue to assess their options.

Liverpool well positioned

With Arne Slot now settled as Liverpool’s manager following a Premier League title in his first season, recruitment planning is firmly focused on sustaining long term success. The cooling of Real Madrid’s interest, combined with AZ’s clear valuation, has subtly altered the landscape.

Liverpool are not alone in their admiration of Smit, but developments elsewhere suggest the opportunity to move decisively may be approaching. The coming months are likely to determine whether that long standing interest translates into concrete action.