Liverpool have been offered the chance to gazump Newcastle in a move to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit for around €60m (£52m).
When Liverpool hijacked Newcastle’s deal to sign Hugo Ekitike last summer, spending £79m to do so, it didn’t help relations with the Geordie outfit as negotiations rumbled on for Alexander Isak.
In the end, Liverpool spent £125m to set a Premier League record to bring Isak to Anfield.
A week ago, the Reds did it again by signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna after Newcastle repeatedly low-balled the La Liga outfit while Liverpool simply triggered his €40m (£34.6m) release clause.
Now, they have been offered the chance to do it again with a move to sign Smit.
Liverpool could poach a third transfer from Newcastle United with Kees Smit swoop
According to TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool now have the opportunity to beat Newcastle to Smit, although there are many teams in the hunt for the highly-rated 20-year-old.
The race to sign highly-rated AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is gathering pace, with Newcastle United leading a growing list of admirers and stepping up their quest to sign the 20-year-old after he made it clear he is open to a move this summer.https://t.co/hVmPtPxCVF
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) June 23, 2026
Bailey reports: “Sources have confirmed that Newcastle have stepped up their pursuit in recent weeks, reaffirming their long-standing admiration for one of Dutch football’s brightest young talents. Newcastle’s recruitment staff have been tracking Smit for an extended period and believe his technical quality, intelligence in possession and ability to dictate the tempo of games make him an ideal fit for their long-term plans.
“Newcastle are far from alone in their pursuit of a star that AZ will likely demand €60m (£52m, $69m) for.
“We can reveal that Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Liverpool – all long-term admirers of the Netherlands Under-21 international – have also been approached regarding his availability as interest in the midfielder intensifies.
“Sources understand that Liverpool are expected to sign a new midfielder this summer for new boss Andoni Iraola, though their priorities currently lie in adding a new winger to their attack and they are currently assessing a wide range of midfield options this summer.”
Liverpool need a new midfielder, but Smit is not the one they need
While Smit has many of the traits needed to succeed in an Andoni Iraola system, the Dutchman is raw and unproven at the highest level.
Liverpool need to roar back into the Premier League next season, and so should really prioritise signing someone who will stand the best chance of succeeding from the first minute of the season.