Image Credits: Imago Images
DaveOCKOP reported exclusively at the beginning of the month that Liverpool holds strong interest in AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit. The Dutch youngster has been tracked by the Reds’ recruitment team for a while, after emerging at AZ as one of the Eredivisie’s most promising midfield talents.
Primarily used in central and holding roles, Smit has already passed the 30‑game mark in league action, chipping in with goals and assists both domestically and in Europe despite his tender age of 20. In the current campaign he has started most of AZ’s league fixtures, surpassing 1,500 minutes while standing out for his productivity and creativity among defensive midfielders. Technically sharp, composed under pressure and adept at controlling tempo between the lines, he has even drawn stylistic comparisons with Pedri, highlighting how highly he is rated.
Liverpool’s move comes amid strong interest from several top European clubs, with AZ expected to hold out for a record sale for their homegrown star.
However, one of them in Bayern Munich look like they won’t be seriously competing for Smit’s signature next summer, with BILD journalist Christian Falk reporting that the Bavarian giants already have ample options in midfield:
“It is not true that Bayern are keeping a very close eye on Kees Smit ahead of the summer. They have players in this position already. Don’t forget Aleksandar Pavlović, Tom Bischof, Joshua Kimmich, and Konrad Laimer,” he reported.
“So, no, it’s not hot for Bayern Munich. Smit is a player Arsenal is also interested in, so for Goretzka, this could be a potential rival for his position next summer. From what I understand, Arsenal and the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid are closer to signing this player than Bayern Munich.”
AZ Alkmaar have put super-agent Jorge Mendes in charge of getting the highest bid for Smit in the summer.
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