Liverpool eye £51.5m Smit in January raid as Slot and Iraola push

Liverpool have set their sights on 20‑year‑old Dutch midfielder Kees Smit, with a potential January bid that could reach the €60m (£51.5m, $69m) valuation reported by AZ Alkmaar, while former Reds boss Arne Slot has long wanted him at Anfield and manager Andoni Iraola faces a £40m defender problem.

Liverpool sent scouts to the Europa League clash at the Stadium of Light where AZ faced Sunderland, watching Smit’s performance up close, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey. The Dutch club value the midfielder at €60m (£51.5m, $69m), and several Premier League rivals were also present, heightening competition for his signature.

Midfield pressure and Iraola's plan

Iraola is keen to add a player capable of executing his high‑intensity press, believing his current options cannot meet that demand. He has reportedly shortlisted four midfield targets for the January window, with Smit now firmly on that list. The Reds see Smit’s ability to drive the press as vital for their tactical renewal.

The connection dates back to November 2025, when Dutch outlet Soccer News reported that then‑Liverpool manager Arne Slot wanted to sign Smit after coaching him at AZ. At the time Liverpool were described as ‘serious’ about a bid, underscating the long‑standing admiration for the midfielder.

Full‑back dilemma and other rumours

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has warned that the full‑back position is a problem for Iraola, citing the £40m defender Milos Kerkez and right‑back Jeremie Frimpong as insufficient. Reports list Kerkez’s fee at £40m, £60m, $69m and £90m, reflecting divergent valuations across sources.

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Owen told TEAMtalk, “The full‑back position is a real problem for Liverpool… Kerkez has struggled since being there, looking nervous in the red shirt.” He added that Frimpong “doesn’t appear to be a defender, he looks more an advanced player,” highlighting the depth concerns.

Iraola has praised Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo, who joined on loan from Barcelona in the summer. The manager said the player has shown humility, physical robustness and adaptability across centre‑back and right‑back roles, and that he is learning English to improve communication.

Beyond Smit, several clubs are tracking other talents. Tottenham lead the race for Brazil defender Arthur Dias, valued at €30m, while Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa also monitor the 20‑year‑old. Reports on these deals cite values of £20m, £30m and £40m, illustrating the varied price expectations.

If Liverpool secure Smit in January, they would add a midfielder aligned with Iraola’s pressing philosophy while potentially easing the full‑back concerns highlighted by Owen. For Smit, a move to Anfield would fulfil a wish first voiced by Slot and offer a platform in the Premier League.