Liverpool overlooked their midfield during the summer transfer window, choosing to focus on defensive and attacking areas instead.
The Reds overhauled their midfield options in 2023, bringing in four new players, and have not made a new addition since.
However, there is a feeling amongst supporters that Liverpool could really do with a like-for-like back-up to Ryan Gravenberch at the very least.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Gravenberch looks like he could do with a night off every now and again, but his importance to Arne Slot means he very rarely gets it. As a result, the Dutchman has been run into the ground.
Stefan Bajcetic could be an option in this respect, although with the youngster relatively injury-plagued, Slot has reportedly decided to look to the transfer market instead.
According to reports from the Netherlands, the Liverpool head coach is weighing up a move to sign AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit.
Kees Smit interacts with AZ Alkmaar fans on the pitch after the Eredivisie match against Sparta Rotterdam.
Photo by Ed van de Pol/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Liverpool seriously considering offer for Kees Smit
If you’ve spent time on social media across the weekend, then you’ve likely seen Smit being heavily linked to the likes of Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund.
However, according to Dutch outlet Soccer News, Liverpool should also be considered as being in the race for the 19-year-old.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: Liverpool’s chances of landing Alessandro Bastoni rated as Reds told to ‘keep an eye’
They claim that Slot is considering a ‘serious bid’ for Smit as he aims to pull the Reds out of their current slump.
That bid could reportedly come in January, and it’s claimed that AZ will look to recoup more than the £20m they sold Tijani Reijnders for in 2023.
Do you want Ibrahima Konate to sign a new contract and stay at Liverpool?
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool lines up before the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Slot, of course, is a former manager at Alkmaar, and first came across Smit while working as an assistant at the club in 2017.
Although the midfielder was only 10 or 11 years old at the time, it is said that the Liverpool head coach was ‘charmed’ by his ability. Liverpool, for their part, have reportedly been closely monitoring Smit for some months.
Smit earns Pedri comparisons
It would make complete sense for Liverpool to be at the front of the queue when it comes to signing Smit.
As a big talent from the Netherlands, Slot will absolutely be aware of how good the teenager is, and with Liverpool needing a player in his mould to bolster the midfield depth, it just adds up.
Who is Kees Smit?
Name: Kees Smit
Age: 19
Club: AZ Alkmaar
Position: Central midfield/Defensive midfield
Senior appearances: 50
Senior goals: 4
Nationality: Dutch
Kees Smit applauds fans after AZ Alkmaar's Eredivisie match against PSV Eindhoven
Photo by Wart Brinkerhof/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
However, there is a reason why Smit is so highly rated. As Soccer News report, the Netherlands U21 international has been compared to Barcelona and Spain superstar by Dutch national team boss Ronald Koeman.
“I once worked with Pedri as manager of Barcelona,” Koeman said. “And now I see things in Smit that I also saw in Pedri. It’s about being two-footed and scanning.”
Smit sounds like he is destined for the top. Liverpool can either make their offer now or potentially miss their chance forever.