Liverpool did not strengthen Arne Slot's squad during the January transfer window, but fans will take solace in the £60m signing of Jeremy Jacquet, one of the world's most talented young centre-backs, who will arrive this summer.
It's a big step toward defensive resurrection, with so much of the Anfield side's struggle this season stemming from disjointed and error-strewn displays at the back.
For now, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate (who is out of contract at the end of the campaign), must endure, but with Giovanni Leoni working toward a return from a long-term knee injury, Liverpool are stocked for the years ahead.
And FSG will feel that they can now turn to other areas, with central midfield equally culpable for this disappointing title defence.
Liverpool leading race for new midfielder
Liverpool have been troubled by many issues this season, but Slot likely didn't enter the campaign expecting his slick and stylish midfield would fall several flights down from last year's level.
Alexis Mac Allister has been one of the biggest culprits, confusingly stodgy and uncertain in his central role. The Argentina star, 26, has been said by one content creator to look "like Fabinho in his final season", having "physically fallen off a cliff".
This week, The Athletic confirmed Real Madrid's long-standing interest in the 2022 World Cup winner may resurface, so Liverpool may need to find a replacement sharpish.
That replacement could come in the form of AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit, who, according to Spanish sources, is being chased not only by Liverpool but Arsenal and Real Madrid too.
Kees Smit
Liverpool and Arsenal are actually believed to have stolen ahead in the race for the 20-year-old due to their financial strength, who is valued as high as €75m (equating to £65m), as Europe's elite all begin to register their interest.
The Netherlands star is at the start of his career, but he's already proving himself a stylistic fit for a side like Liverpool, especially if Mac Allister has entered the final stretch of his Anfield career.
Why Kees Smit could replace Mac Allister
Smit is a playmaker, holding midfielder and box-to-box presence all wrapped into one, noted as an up-and-comer who "has superstar potential" by analyst and scout Ben Mattinson.
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Liverpool have identified a potential top target well ahead of the summer transfer window.
After playing a bit-part role for AZ's senior side during the 2024/25 campaign, Smit is now firing on all cylinders as one of their most trusted midfielders, having started 18 Eredivisie fixtures and played a core role in the Dutch side's Conference League campaign, where they face Armenian side FC Noah in the play-offs.
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit
Smit is a talented playmaker, and if Liverpool's interest should accelerate over the coming months, you will see plenty of praise directed toward his ball-playing ability, his creativity.
But Smit's intelligence, athleticism and energy further differentiate him, and could see him thrive as Mac Allister's successor, especially when considering the Argentine's struggles across the current campaign.
Alexis Mac Allister vs Kees Smit - League Form 25/26
Stats (* per 90)
Matches (starts)
Goals + Assists
Touches*
Accurate passes*
Chances created*
Succ. dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + Interceptions*
Duels (won)*
Data via Sofascore
Smit is playing with more creative gusto, for sure, but he's also more energetic and active in his all-around duties as an AZ midfielder. He's actually been described as a "duel monster" by the aforementioned Mattinson.
It's important to apply context to these comparisons. Of course, Mac Allister would likely serve as one of the Eredivisie's top-performing midfielders, if not the pick of the bunch.
But Smit is young and showing all the attributes that a young prospect would need to nail down a starting berth in Slot's Liverpool midfield.
Having already stood out against Crystal Palace in the Conference League this season, Smit might just have what it takes to make something of himself in a tough division like the Premier League, slotting into Mac Allister's role.
While losing Mac Allister to Real Madrid would be a rueful thing, there's no question that he will need to be replaced if he doesn't return to his finest form, and in Smit, the new version could be signed.
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Liverpool are beginning to show some promising signs in attack.