Liverpool’s search for midfield reinforcements appears to be gathering pace.
The Reds reportedly sent scouts to watch AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit in action against Sunderland in the Europa League this week, with the highly-rated Dutchman attracting plenty of attention from Premier League clubs.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool representatives were among those in attendance at the Stadium of Light as AZ suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.
Smit started the game and reportedly impressed despite his side’s defeat, providing another opportunity for Liverpool’s recruitment team to assess him at close quarters.
Liverpool have been watching Smit for a while
This isn’t a player who has suddenly appeared on Liverpool’s radar.
TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool have been long-term admirers of Smit, who has attracted interest from English clubs for more than two years after breaking into the AZ first team in 2024.
The 20-year-old has developed into one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in Dutch football.
And his performances have now resulted in a growing list of Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on his progress.
Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Brighton were also reportedly represented at Sunderland.
That tells you something about the level of interest surrounding Smit.
£51.5m is a serious price tag
The biggest question is obviously the potential cost.
Smit is reportedly valued at around €60m (£51.5m) by AZ Alkmaar.
That’s a huge amount of money for a 20-year-old who has yet to play in the Premier League, but Liverpool clearly aren’t the only club who believe he could be worth that investment.
And with so many Premier League clubs monitoring him, AZ are in a strong position if a bidding war develops.
Liverpool’s interest is particularly intriguing because midfield has already become one of the major talking points of Iraola’s first season at Anfield.
Could Smit fit Iraola’s Liverpool?
That’s where this story becomes particularly interesting.
Liverpool need more options in midfield.
Gravenberch has struggled for consistency at the beginning of the season, while the combination of Gravenberch and Szoboszlai hasn’t always provided the control and intensity Liverpool need.
Mac Allister remains an important option, but Liverpool can’t realistically expect one player to solve every problem.
Smit could potentially offer something different.
He’s capable of playing centrally and further forward, and his ability to progress the ball and create chances has helped make him one of the more interesting young midfielders in the Eredivisie.
At just 20, there would obviously be plenty of development still required.
But that’s exactly the type of player Liverpool have traditionally been interested in developing.
January could become interesting
TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool are considering a mid-season move for another midfielder, with Smit now potentially joining the list of options being considered.
That’s significant.
Liverpool don’t appear to be simply watching Smit from a distance anymore.
They sent scouts to watch him in person.
That doesn’t mean a January transfer is going to happen, and Liverpool will face competition if they decide to pursue the Dutchman.
But it does suggest that Smit is firmly on the recruitment team’s radar.
And given the issues Liverpool have experienced in midfield during the opening weeks of the season, it’s easy to understand why.
The Reds need more quality and more options in the middle of the pitch.
Whether Kees Smit is the answer remains to be seen.
But one thing is becoming increasingly clear:
Liverpool are looking at midfielders.
And if the club’s scouts liked what they saw at the Stadium of Light, we may be hearing a lot more about Kees Smit between now and January.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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