Rumoured Liverpool transfer option Kees Smit has hinted that he could move away from AZ Alkmaar, as the Reds continue to eye up midfield options.
Kees Smit coy over AZ Alkmaar future
Smit is one of Dutch football’s most highly-rated young players, with the 20-year-old already making 77 appearances for Eredivisie side Alkmaar.
Liverpool have been loosely linked with the midfielder in recent days, and speaking to Voetbal International, he hinted at a potential new challenge this summer.
“I wouldn’t mind staying at AZ and playing everything for a whole season, but I wouldn’t mind taking on a new challenge somewhere,” Smit said.
“Training at a higher level, playing at a higher level: of course you will also become a better footballer. So as far as I’m concerned, anything is possible.”
Smit would be an exciting addition to Liverpool’s midfield, bringing box-to-box quality and energy. He is even being called the latest Dutch “total footballer” by Mundo Deportivo.
Beating Newcastle to his signature would only add to the bad blood between the two clubs, having already signed Alexander Isak from them last year and nabbed Victor Munoz from under their nose.
It is fair to say that there is no imminent prospect of Liverpool making a move for Smit, though.
LFC News: Robertson teases Alisson & left-back linked
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 23, 2022: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker(L) and Andy Robertson during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 6-0. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Andy Robertson has teased Alisson ahead of Scotland’s 2026 World Cup clash with Brazil tonight, but has still called him the “best ‘keeper in the world” – read here
• Liverpool were reportedly “offered” the chance to sign right-back Marco Palestra before Chelsea signed him for more than £47 million. A new player in that area is a must!
• Meanwhile, Liverpool are claimed to be “trying to sign” Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia, who has already played 122 games for Andoni Iraola.
• Here’s a look at what every Liverpool player needs to reach the World Cup knockout stages
More from This Is Anfield
Danny Gallagher has outlined exactly where Liverpool must target signings this summer, including a line-breaking midfielder like Adam Wharton:
“What Liverpool are crying out for is a midfielder who can grasp possession and immediately fizz it into the feet of Wirtz in the No. 10 zone.
“It’s a sacred area of the pitch which defenders hate and, within this plot of grass, the magic can happen.
“An outstandingly obvious candidate for this position is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
“The former Blackburn man has been making steady progress at Selhurst Park and boasts one full highlight reel after another of slicing passes through opponents without so much as a second glance.”
Football News: Salah wanted by MLS & Wilson off to Leeds
Egypt's Mohamed Salah (10) celebrates his goal during second half World Cup Group G soccer action against New Zealand, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
• MLS commissioner Don Garber has publicly shared his desire to bring Salah to the USA this summer, with the Egyptian still deciding where to move to
• Leeds have reportedly agreed a deal with Fulham winger and former Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson, with a long-term contract sealed (BBC Sport)
• Tottenham are reportedly considering making a bid for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes – Man United are also believed to be keen (Sky Sports)
Liverpool FC: On this day
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 28, 2023: Liverpool's Roberto Firmino celebrates after scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
On this day in 2015, Roberto Firmino agreed to sign for Liverpool from Hoffenheim for an initial fee of £21 million.
The transfer was completed the following month.
Firmino became a modern Liverpool great during his eight years at Anfield, scoring 111 goals in 362 appearances, and perfectly complementing Salah and Sadio Mane.
By the time Bobby left in 2023, he had won the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, Super Cup and FA Cup, and become one of the most popular players of the Jurgen Klopp era.