Real Madrid are reportedly pushing the hardest to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit with Liverpool set to be one of the clubs that will miss out on signing him.
Liverpool might have spent £460m in the summer on new signings but they still need further recruitment based on their dire performances this season.
The Reds have already committed to another £60m to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in the summer and they will likely sign another centre-back, while right-back is similarly in need of huge investment.
Jeremie Frimpong is a fantastic player but has so far been unable to remain fit. In midfield, the balance is all wrong while Arne Slot’s tactics are simultaneously to blame.
Kees Smit is one of the players Liverpool have been linked with signing but the Dutchman is not currently a likely new signing based on Real Madrid’s involvement.
‘Jorge Mendes is in control’ as battle heats up for Kees Smit’s services
Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing Cresswell but Real Madrid are being tipped as the strongest-placed suitor to land the 20-year-old this summer.
Kees Smit will develop into one of the best footballers on the planet.
He’s always reminded me of a smaller Kevin De Bruyne; a high-volume chance creator in the final third who can unlock any defence. Capable as an advanced #8 controlling from deep.
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— CounterPressers (@CounterPresser_) February 1, 2026
“Jorge Mendes is in control of the situation. There is Real Madrid interested and several Premier League top clubs so there is going to be a big battle in the Premier League and Spanish clubs,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“Let’s see what happens because Kes Smit and AZ Alkmaar, it is going to be a huge summer, a huge battle. It’s not going to be easy to sign him because 40-45 million euros is not going to be enough, it’s going to be big money.
“For sure, it’s going to be a big battle, so too for Kees Smit because he’s going to be a big part of conversations.”
Who can Liverpool sign instead of Smit? Adam Wharton should be their top midfield target
One of the big issues this season for Liverpool is chance creation from deep.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone either. While there remains a lot of fan animosity towards Trent Alexander-Arnold, he is the greatest ever right back purely from a creative aspect.
Despite leaving the club at the age of 26, he ranks as the fifth highest assisting Liverpool player of all time – as a defender. Yet, Liverpool haven’t replaced his impact yet.
A player who can solve Liverpool’s lack of creavity from deep and their porous midfield in transition is Premier League proven and his name is Adam Wharton.
Crystal Palace have a true gem of a player in Adam Wharton. Despite being just 22, the Englishman is one of the best players in the country and should be a serious consideration for the Three Lions’ squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For Liverpool, he should be part of their long-term thinking. And reportedly is…
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— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) February 12, 2026
Not only does he possess the most gorgeous weight of pass of any emerging midfielders, his ability to read the game and intervene before a dangerous attack is formed speaks to a player of much greater years.
A recent report from Spanish outlet Fichajes claims that Liverpool and Manchester United are interested but will have to deal with Crystal Palace slapping a €95 million (£82.6m) asking price on his head.
Real Madrid are circling here too with all three clubs already in “preliminary talks to enter the race for the 21-year-old English midfielder.”