Liverpool are among the clubs who are “watching” AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, according to a new update from former scout Mick Brown.
The Reds haven’t got too long to wait until the January transfer window, should they look to do incoming or outgoing business, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo linked with a move in recent days.
It feels like more likely that next summer will see more transfer activity, however, with depth likely to be required in several areas, especially if some players move on, from Ibrahima Konate to Alexis Mac Allister.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown claimed that Liverpool are eyeing a move for Smit, with the 19-year-old a “highly-rated” player who many clubs are watching:
“He’s exactly the type of player Liverpool will be looking at. Clubs in England are always keeping close tabs on the Dutch league, they’ll cover it extensively, and especially Liverpool with the manager’s links over there.
“So I have no doubts they will have been watching Smit and keeping tabs on his performances. He’s very highly-rated and there are a lot of teams watching him, and they will have been impressed with his performance against Palace in the Conference League.
“Even before that game, these clubs knew about him, and they’ll know all about what he can do. He was able to show that against Palace, a very good Premier League side, so that will be another boost in terms of figuring out how he would adapt.
“Liverpool are always looking to bring in these type of young players who can develop in their side and eventually become key, so he would very much fit that bill.”
Smit a superb long-term signing for Liverpool
Smit is a player with a huge future in the game, being hailed as “fantastic” by scout Jacek Kulig and already making 50 appearances for Alkmaar and registering 10 goal contributions (four goals and six assists).
The midfielder is playing with a maturity beyond his years, proving to be a key player for his club side, making 11 starts in the Eredivisie this season.
Smit has also been capped by the Netherlands across five different age groups, making a combined 36 caps for his country, and a big career for the senior side could await, assuming he avoids serious injury.
The teenager could be a great long-term addition for Liverpool, adding fresh legs in the middle of the park and the potential to be a future star at Anfield.