Liverpool are preparing for a significant midfield rebuild this summer as Arne Slot seeks fresh energy and quality in the engine room. After relying on the same core group that delivered the 2024/25 Premier League title, the Reds are now seeing diminishing returns from key figures. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have not quite replicated their peak form from the title-winning campaign, while Wataru Endo has battled persistent injury issues. Add in the uncertain contract situation surrounding Curtis Jones, and it is clear why midfield reinforcement has become a top priority for both Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.
One name emerging strongly as a potential solution is 20-year-old Dutch midfielder Kees Smit, currently shining for Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar. The highly rated talent is widely expected to depart the Netherlands this summer, with a move to one of Europe’s top leagues on the horizon. His contract runs until 2028, but AZ are braced for substantial offers and have reportedly enlisted super-agent Jorge Mendes to handle negotiations. A club-record fee in the region of €60m to €80m (£52m to £70m) is anticipated if the right club comes calling.
According to reports, Liverpool sit firmly in the mix for Smit’s signature alongside several other Premier League sides. Five English clubs are understood to be monitoring the situation, with Liverpool and Arsenal frequently highlighted as stylistic fits due to their emphasis on technical, possession-based midfield play. Manchester United view him as part of a wider squad rebuild, Chelsea see him as a longer-term project amid their preference for more immediate Premier League-ready additions, and Newcastle United have tracked him extensively — though financial competition could prove tough. Occasional interest from Tottenham has also been noted, but staying in the Premier League and securing European football will be key factors for the player.
Kees Smit: The Complete Profile
Born on 20 January 2006, the right-footed 20-year-old has progressed through AZ Alkmaar’s renowned academy and established himself in the first team over the past two seasons. He has already accumulated more than 30 senior appearances, featuring regularly in both the Eredivisie and European competitions. Standing around 1.80–1.85m tall, Smit operates primarily as a central or attacking midfielder, combining physical presence with exceptional technical ability.
His game is defined by an ability to carry the ball through pressure, link play effectively in congested areas, and deliver aggressive, line-breaking passes or sweeping switches rather than safe, sideways possession. In the 2025/26 season, Smit has impressed with strong performances in the UEFA Conference League, growing end product in the form of goals and assists, and elite underlying metrics for ball progression. These displays have cemented his status as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Dutch football.
Smit is contracted until 2028 but has made no secret of his ambition to test himself in a top-five European league with Champions League football. Both player and club appear aligned on seeking a major move at the right time, with AZ targeting a record outgoing transfer fee.
Mendes’ Masterstroke: Elevating the Deal
The involvement of Jorge Mendes adds a fascinating layer to the saga. The Portuguese super-agent, known for orchestrating some of football’s biggest deals, has been brought in by AZ to maximise the value and navigate talks with elite clubs across Europe. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and a host of Premier League teams have all been credited with interest, but Mendes’ network and negotiating prowess could prove decisive in steering the outcome.
For Liverpool, landing Smit would represent a significant coup — injecting youthful dynamism, technical quality and long-term potential into a midfield that needs refreshing. His blend of power, vision and progressive passing aligns well with Slot’s tactical demands, potentially forming exciting partnerships with existing stars like Gravenberch.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the race for Kees Smit is intensifying. With Mendes now involved, the “handcuffs” are metaphorically on one of Europe’s brightest young gems, and Liverpool appear ideally positioned to make their move. If the Reds can secure the deal, the midfield nightmare for their Premier League rivals may well be just beginning.