Liverpool transfer news as the Reds have reportedly been keeping a close eye on a potential midfield target this week, while a new contract has been confirmed by the club
SUNDERLAND, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 16: Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar during the UEFA Europa League match between Sunderland v AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light on September 16, 2026 in Sunderland United Kingdom (Photo by Richard Sellers/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Kees Smit has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola’s influence looks as though it is starting to take hold at Liverpool - but there are some obvious areas in his squad that still need some work.
The Reds remain unbeaten since Iraola took charge, although it has been a mixed start to the season, with just the one win in the Premier League so far. The Spaniard will be hoping to add to that at his old stomping ground when Liverpool visits Bournemouth this weekend.
After focusing its attention on Bradley Barcola during the summer though, Liverpool still has some questions over other positions, not least in midfield, which is where the latest transfer rumors come.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.
Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)
Liverpool is among a host of clubs to have scouted Kees Smit during the week, according to TeamTalk. The Dutch midfielder was in England on Wednesday as AZ Alkmaar took on Sunderland in the Europa League, with the Premier League side coming out 1-0 winners.
Smit has been linked with a move to Anfield previously, and it’s now claimed that representatives from Anfield were at the Stadium of Light to watch the 20-year-old in action.
Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Brighton are also said to have been in attendance. Smit is said to be rated at around $69 million (€60M), and the report goes on to suggest that Liveprool is “front and center” of the interest as it considers a January move for a midfielder.
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Liverpool.com says: Smit is certainly an exciting talent, and has gained plenty of attention with his performances for AZ. In fact, it is a bit of a surprise that he didn't get a transfer during the summer.
Whether he's quite what Liverpool needs is up for debate, considering he's perhaps more of an attacking outlet in midfield, but he is versatile and, at 20, there would be plenty of time to mould him into a more specific role.
Erik Farkas (Liverpool)
Liverpool has announced that 17-year-old midfielder Erik Farkas has signed his first professional contract with the club. The academy star has been in the Reds’ setup since U12s level, and has made three appearances for the U18s so far this season.
He recently scored two goals in the UEFA Youth League draw with Atletico Madrid, and follows his older brother Patrik in signing a professional contract.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Erik Farkas of Liverpoolin action during the U18 Premier League match at AXA Training Centre on January 24, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Erik Farkas has signed his first professional contract at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Farkas was born in Hungary but has represented England at international level, having been capped for the Three Lions’ U17s.
"It's a really proud moment for me and my family," he told the club’s website. "I'm just grateful and blessed to achieve something big like that."
Liverpool.com says: Congratulations to the Farkas brothers, and what a great moment for both of them to be handed their first professional contracts. Fingers crossed they can make the step up to the senior team in the coming years.