Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s extensive scouting operation has identified another diamond from Arne Slot’s homeland, with AZ Alkmaar’s teenage sensation Kees Smit emerging as a target for the reigning Premier League champions.
The Reds have been tracking the 19-year-old midfielder for months, but they face fierce competition from a host of European giants.
In November, we relayed reports from the Netherlands claiming that Liverpool, and especially Arne Slot, was very keen on the teenager.
Dutch outlet Soccernews.NL revealed that Slot has known Smit since the midfielder was just ten years old during the manager’s previous spell at AZ between 2017 and 2020.
The report claimed Slot was “charmed” by the youngster even then, and that admiration has only grown as Smit has established himself as a regular starter in the Eredivisie.
Ronald Koeman’s recent comparison of Smit to Barcelona’s Pedri has further ignited interest across the continent. The Netherlands manager, who gave Pedri his breakthrough at Barcelona, stated:
“I coached Pedri at Barcelona and I see things with Smit that I also saw with Pedri. Then it’s about two-leggedness and scanning”.
AZ Alkmaar are prepared to sell but will demand a club-record fee exceeding the €25 million they received from AC Milan for Tijjani Reijnders in 2023. With Smit contracted until 2028, the Dutch club hold a strong negotiating position.
AZ general manager Merijn Zeeman, speaking on Goedemorgen Eredivisie, was quizzed on the interest in Smit and whether a January move is on the cards.
However, Zeeman claimed that nothing is going to happen before the summer:
“No, no. Zero interest. I can honestly say that,” he said.
“Anyway, it’s November, almost December. It seems pretty normal to me. Undoubtedly, things will pick up after the summer, but for now it’s still quiet,” he said.
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