Richard Hughes points to Kees Smit as ideal midfielder for Liverpool

Why it matters

Liverpool's midfield is in the process of restructuring, especially after disappointing performances from Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. The identification of Kees Smit as a potential target highlights the importance of the club finding a defensive midfielder capable of solidifying their game. In a transfer market where prices are skyrocketing, as the transfer of Sandro Tonali shows, investing in a young talent could prove wise for the club's future.

Key points

• Richard Hughes points to Kees Smit as the ideal midfielder for Liverpool.
• Richard Hughes believes Liverpool should target Kees Smit to strengthen their central sector.
• Richard Hughes has the perfect midfield signing for Liverpool - Yahoo Sports.

Liverpool have major work to do in midfield. After a 2025-26 season far from expectations, where Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch were unable to resolve certain projection and percussion problems, the club is logically looking for solutions to strengthen its center of the game. While Gravenberch extended his contract with the Reds during the 2025-26 financial year and seems destined to stay, the future of Mac Allister appears more uncertain, leaving sports management on the lookout for new avenues.

Among the many names associated with Liverpool, Richard Hughes recently highlighted a profile that could match the club's needs: Kees Smit. This young 20-year-old Dutch midfielder, who plays for AZ Alkmaar, distinguished himself in the Eredivisie last season, contributing to 15 goals from an essentially defensive position. These statistics, associated with an ability to play as a sentinel, explain the growing interest in his person.

The file, however, has a cost: according to the information relayed, AZ would demand around 52 million pounds to let Smit leave. In the current market context - where midfielders like Sandro Tonali are leaving for very high sums (£92.5m mentioned) - such an expense may nevertheless appear to be a logical investment for a club seeking stability in the middle.

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Smit's advantage, in addition to his age and potential, is that he already has experience of a number six role, a position that Liverpool have sometimes struggled to stabilize. Under the previous management, Arne Slot had notably tried Ryan Gravenberch as a six, a gamble that paid off during the title but less conclusive the following season, when the opposing offensives often took the upper hand. Liverpool had also missed out on Martin Zubimendi in the recent past, which left the club with the obligation to find a viable alternative.

Another element of context: the surge in value of certain players bought at low cost – Yan Diomande is cited as an example, recruited around €20 million and today valued well beyond – shows that taking risks on “underestimated” talents can prove profitable. Kees Smit falls into this category of young players, already performing well in the championship and attracting several clubs, as he himself recognized when confirming the existence of an interest in him.

It remains to be seen whether Andoni Iraola, in place on the Reds bench, would make Smit a central element of his project. The Dutchman's profile fits with the idea of ​​a true number six capable of protecting the defense while serving as a relay for the progression of the ball. With still time before the summer transfer window closes, Liverpool will have to decide quickly if they want to avoid a repeat of the problems observed in 2025-26. Identifying a reliable defensive midfielder appears to be a clear priority to restore consistency to the Reds' midfield.

The rest

Liverpool are expected to step up their search to strengthen their midfield during the summer transfer window. With uncertainty surrounding Alexis Mac Allister's future, the club could consider making a bid for Kees Smit, hoping his potential and performances in the Eredivisie will attract the attention of decision-makers. If Liverpool succeed in completing this transfer, it could mark a turning point in their player development strategy.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kees Smit?

Kees Smit is a 20-year-old Dutch midfielder who plays for AZ Alkmaar.

Where is Kees Smit from?

Kees Smit currently plays for AZ Alkmaar, an Eredivisie club.

Why are Liverpool interested in Kees Smit?

Liverpool are looking to strengthen their midfield, and Kees Smit has shown promising performances

s contributing to 15 goals from a defensive position.

What is the amount requested by AZ Alkmaar for Kees Smit?

AZ Alkmaar would demand around 52 million pounds to let Kees Smit go.

When could Kees Smit join Liverpool?

The official status of the transfer is not specified, but discussions are ongoing within the transfer market.

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