Liverpool are preparing a serious bid for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, according to Dutch outlet Soccer News.
The 19-year-old, who has been dubbed ‘the next Pedri’, has attracted Premier League interest owing to a number of impressive displays in the Eredivisie.
Newcastle have been keeping tabs on Smit and now Liverpool are believed to be monitoring the teenager.
Reds boss Arne Slot is aware of Smit’s ability having briefly worked with his compatriot during their respective time with AZ.
And having neglected the midfield over the summer in order to prioritise in defence and attack, the champions are now eyeing up a January swoop for Smit in order to strengthen in the middle of the park.
Smit shining for AZ
Smit has caught the eye in the Dutch top tier this term having scored two goals and provided two assists for Maarten Martens’ side.
As such, AZ won’t allow one of their prized assets to leave on the cheap in the New Year, with the Dutch side expected to demand upwards of the €25m they received for Tijjani Reijnders when he moved to AC Milan in 2023.
While Liverpool’s poor start to the season won’t see them panic in the January window, they may be willing to compromise at the turn of the year to sign a generational talent of Smit’s calibre.
The defending champions would face competition for Smit should AZ entertain the idea of selling the midfielder with Newcastle tipped to firm up their interest in the youngster.
La Liga giants Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for Smit as they consider signing one of the finest young midfield talents in Europe.
'I see things in Smit that I also saw in Pedri'
While Smit is yet to earn a senior call up for the Netherlands, it’s only a matter of time before the Dutchman receives international recognition after Oranje boss Ronald Koeman previously waxed lyrical about the midfielder.
“I once worked with Pedri as manager of Barcelona. And now I see things in Smit that I also saw in Pedri,” Koeman once said of Smit.
“It’s about being two-footed and scanning. If Smit gets even half the amount Pedri played, we’ll be very happy in the Netherlands. I won’t say too much more, because then people might get confused.”
Smit, meanwhile, said in response: “I’m not confused by it. But I do understand that people might have found it a bit of a strange comparison. I didn’t expect it, but I thought it was a nice phrase.
“[Am I the new Pedri?] That’s for other people to judge. I think he’s really good, so I’d actually say no. But if other people say yes, I’m happy to hear that.”
