After spending nearly £450 million on new signings during the summer transfer window, there will be plenty of attention on what the Reds do when the market reopens in January.
Lewis Steele has indicated in recent days that mid-season signings are ‘more unlikely than likely’, albeit with the caveat that circumstances could change, and Richard Hughes is said to be looking for one of the most highly touted young talents from the head coach’s homeland.
Liverpool are seriously considering a move for Kees Smit
According to Dutch outlet Football newsLiverpool are ‘seriously’ considering an approach to AZ Alkmaar for teenage midfielder Kees Smit, who has ‘charmed’ Slot since he was ten.
Now 19, he has been monitored by the Reds for several months and is reportedly ‘interested in a move’ as he wants to compete ‘at the highest level’.
The Eredivisie outfit are believed to be chasing what would be a club record sale for them, which would see them surpass the €25 million they received from AC Milan for Tijjani Reijnders in 2023.
Smit has earned comparisons to Pedri
Smit recently received praise from Dutch coach Ronald Koeman, who compared the teenager’s skills to those of Barcelona star Pedri.Football news), and his underlying stats point to his varied qualities.
According to FBrefThe youngster has been in the top 20% of midfielders in Europe over the past year with his match averages for assists (0.13), shots (1.75), shot creations (4.12), progressive carries (1.97) and successful take-ons (1.14).
The 19-year-old mainly operates in central midfield, but can also be deployed as a number 6 or 10 and has even filled in as a winger on occasion (Transfer market), which offers a tactical versatility that will certainly appeal to Slot, who was of course previously in charge of AZ.
Competition for a starting midfield spot at Liverpool is fierce, so Smit would initially have to be content with a back-up role if he were to move to Anfield, but it is a challenge he might well embrace rather than be intimidated by.
Other parts of the squad may need more immediate attention in L4 – centre-back immediately comes to mind – but the Dutch teenager could be someone to keep a close eye on in the coming months. It will be intriguing to see if the Reds’ reported interest increases.
You can watch Slot’s full post-Man City press conference via Kingdom of the Kop on YouTube:
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