Liverpool boss Arne Slotplaceholder image
Liverpool boss Arne Slot | Getty Images
Liverpool have until the end of the January transfer window to bring in some new players
Liverpool were active on the recruitment front last summer and delved into the market to bring in the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, among others, to bolster their ranks. They have the chance to freshen up their squad again this winter. The Merseyside giants have until the deadline on Monday 2nd February to complete business.
The Reds are sat in 4th place in the Premier League table after 21 fixtures. They are inside the top four along with Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa. Arne Slot’s side are back in action on Monday night in the FA Cup against Barnsley.
Liverpool update regarding target Kees Smit
In this latest update regarding his situation, journalist Fabrizio Romano has said on his YouTube channel: “I keep mentioning that name to you as one of the big names we’ll have for 2026 on the market – summer more likely than January. It’s true that Jorge Mendes is taking care of this. Since December, Mendes is working to coordinate the future of Kees Smit. There are conversations ongoing. Newcastle wanted to bring the player in January and were prepared to pay big money. But at the moment, nothing is advanced yet on the player’s side.”
Smit, who is a Holland youth international, has been on the books at AZ for his whole career to date. He has risen up through their academy and was a regular at various different youth levels. The Heiloo-born man has since become a key player for their first-team and they could now face a battle to keep hold of him down the line amid expected attention from elsewhere.
Would Kees Smit suit Liverpool?
Liverpool may need to see off competition from Newcastle United if they are to sign Smit. If they landed him, he would give them another option to pick from in midfield. In addition, he would be a useful long-term addition amid his tender age.
Smit made his senior debut back in 2023 and hasn’t looked back since. He has since made 58 appearances in all competitions, 27 of which have come in this campaign, and he has chipped in with four goals. AZ beat FC Volendam 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Liverpool are well stocked up with players in his position like Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis MacAllister and Curtis Jones, among others. Another body in that area wouldn’t be a bad shout though as they look to deal with their heavy workload of matches. It remains to be how much Smit could potentially cost.
The Reds’ upcoming opponents Barnsley are positioned in 17th in League One and are only two points above the relegation zone amid a tough term so far. They are managed by former Aston Villa player Conor Hourihane these days.
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