Liverpool Position Strengthens in Kees Smit Chase
Liverpool’s recruitment drive under Arne Slot appears to be gathering pace, with fresh reports indicating the club have edged ahead of Bayern Munich in pursuit of Dutch midfielder Kees Smit. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have already opened lines of communication with the player’s representatives, signalling a serious intent to secure one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
The 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder, widely regarded as the Netherlands’ standout U21 prospect, has emerged as a long-term target for multiple elite clubs. However, the latest update suggests Bayern Munich’s interest has cooled. German journalist Christian Falk wrote: “It’s not [a] hot [topic] for Bayern Munich. Smit is a player Arsenal is also interested in, so for [Leon] Goretzka, this could be a potential rival for his position next summer.”
That shift may prove decisive for Liverpool, whose midfield planning has been under constant scrutiny since Slot’s arrival in June 2024. With Ryan Gravenberch still developing and Wataru Endo offering experience rather than dynamism, a player of Smit’s profile fits the club’s evolving blueprint.
Bayern Munich Exit Leaves Liverpool and Rivals Competing
TEAMtalk’s report also notes that Bayern Munich are no longer leading the chase, with Falk adding: “From what I understand, Arsenal and the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid are closer to signing this player than Bayern Munich.” That assessment highlights how quickly transfer races can shift in Europe’s elite market.
Smit has already logged 62 senior appearances for AZ Alkmaar, registering five goals and seven assists since his debut in March 2024. Those numbers do not yet leap off the page, but Liverpool’s data-led recruitment model often prioritises technical traits, positional intelligence and tactical flexibility over headline statistics.
For a club that has built midfield rebuilds around long-term planning, the opportunity to sign a player valued at around €60m could represent a calculated gamble. Liverpool have shown before, with signings like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, that investment in technically gifted midfielders can reshape the team’s attacking rhythm.
Arne Slot Connection Could Influence Transfer Outcome
There is also a narrative link that could prove significant. Slot’s history in Dutch football means he has tracked Smit’s progress closely. TEAMtalk highlighted that Slot admired the midfielder during his managerial spell at AZ, making Liverpool’s interest more than speculative.
In tactical terms, Smit’s profile suits Slot’s preferred 2-3-5 attacking structure, where advanced midfielders must break lines and control tempo. Liverpool’s issues this season have often revolved around midfield penetration against deep blocks, something analysts on Anfield Index’s The Red Room have repeatedly flagged. A player with Smit’s composure in tight spaces could offer the vertical passing Liverpool have occasionally lacked.
With Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Gravenberch already part of Liverpool’s Dutch core, there is also a cultural pathway that could ease adaptation. Recruitment departments increasingly value such networks when weighing high-value moves.
Summer Decision Looms for Liverpool Midfield Strategy
Despite Liverpool’s apparent progress, Arsenal and Real Madrid remain strong contenders. TEAMtalk notes that a bidding war could push Smit’s fee closer to €75m if multiple clubs formalise interest. That would test Liverpool’s financial discipline under Fenway Sports Group, who continue to balance sustainability with squad evolution.
The wider question is how Smit fits into Liverpool’s midfield hierarchy. If he arrives, it signals a commitment to youth and technical development rather than short-term fixes. It also underlines Slot’s influence in shaping the squad, aligning recruitment with his tactical vision in a way Liverpool have prioritised since his appointment.
For Bayern Munich, stepping away may reflect their own midfield depth. For Liverpool, it could be a rare opening in a fiercely competitive market. As TEAMtalk reported, initial talks have begun, and momentum appears to be building on Merseyside.
With the summer window still months away, the race for Kees Smit is far from decided. But Liverpool’s positioning suggests a club intent on securing the next generation of midfield talent before Europe’s giants circle again.