Liverpool Eye £51.5m Kees Smit as January Midfield Move Gains Pace

Liverpool Track £51.5m Kees Smit as January Midfield Plan Takes Shape

Liverpool are monitoring AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, a £51.5m-rated 20-year-old, as they consider a January swoop. The Reds were among seven Premier League clubs watching Smit at Sunderland on Tuesday, according to TeamTalk.

Player: Kees Smit, 20, AZ Alkmaar midfielder
Valuation: €60m (£51.5m, $69m)
Liverpool status: Long-term admirers; considering a mid-season midfield move
Rival interest: Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Brighton all scouted Smit at Sunderland
Next step: Liverpool have shortlisted four options, with Smit potentially added

Why Liverpool Want Kees Smit

Liverpool’s recruitment team had representatives at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday to watch Smit, who started for AZ in their 1-0 defeat to Sunderland. Enzo Le Fee scored a late penalty to decide the game, but the result did not overshadow Smit’s performance.

According to the report, Smit produced “another eye-catching display” despite the loss. The scouting trip is part of a long-term assessment: Liverpool are described as “long-term admirers” of the midfielder and have tracked him for over two years.

The 20-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfield talents over the past 18 months and is central to AZ’s strong start, with the Dutch side currently second in the Eredivisie. His development since breaking into the AZ first team in 2024 has attracted sustained interest from England.

Deal Details

There is no formal offer on the table, but the financial parameters are clear. Smit is rated at €60m (£51.5m, $69m), a premium fee for a player still proving himself at the highest level. Any January move would likely require Liverpool to act decisively and without a discount.

The report states Liverpool are “considering a mid-season swoop for a new midfielder”, with head coach Andoni Iraola reportedly concerned that his current options cannot fully deliver his high-intensity pressing demands. Smit is one of several names under consideration; Liverpool have “shortlisted four potential options ahead of the January window” and Smit could be added to that list.

No move is described as imminent, but the combination of scouting presence, long-term admiration and tactical need makes this a situation to track closely before the window opens.

Premier League Competition Builds

Liverpool were not alone at the Stadium of Light. Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Brighton all sent representatives, with Smit the main reason for their visits. Such a broad Premier League presence usually signals active interest rather than background monitoring.

The competition could intensify because Smit was expected to move during the summer, but no transfer materialised despite strong interest from clubs across Europe. That unresolved situation often carries into the next window, especially if the player continues to perform.

His omission from Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad was a disappointment, but the report makes clear it has done little to diminish interest. Smit’s response at club level has kept the momentum alive.

Tactical Fit Under Andoni Iraola

If Liverpool are serious about Smit, the tactical logic is straightforward. Iraola’s system relies on aggression, energy and repeat pressing out of possession. Smit’s profile — a young, dynamic midfielder who contributes in both phases — fits that brief.

The £51.5m valuation is significant for a player still developing, and Liverpool will know hesitation could be costly given the queue of Premier League clubs. However, the age profile, upside and long-term groundwork suggest this is more than a passing interest.

What stands out is the pressing angle. If Iraola genuinely believes a new midfielder can bring his high-intensity demands to life, that need could accelerate a move from interest to action. Fans will want a signing who lifts the level immediately, not just a project. Smit appears capable of offering both development and immediate energy.

Talking points

Is £51.5m too much for a 20-year-old with no senior international caps? Liverpool’s need for pressing intensity may justify the gamble.
With six other Premier League clubs watching, can Liverpool afford to wait until January, or should they move early to avoid a bidding war?
Does Smit start ahead of Liverpool’s current midfielders, or would he be a rotation option in his first season?
AZ are second in the Eredivisie — would they sell mid-season, and does that make a January deal unrealistic?

What happens next

Liverpool will continue to scout Smit and assess their shortlist before the January window. AZ’s form and Smit’s performances will dictate whether the Dutch club entertain offers mid-season, while the queue of Premier League admirers could force Liverpool to decide quickly. The next international window and AZ’s upcoming fixtures will provide further clues.

Frequently asked questions

Are Liverpool signing Kees Smit in January?

No agreement is in place. Liverpool are considering a mid-season midfield move and have shortlisted four options, with Smit potentially added to that list.