Expert: Liverpool told 'big' fee needed to complete signing of sensation in January
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(Credit: Imago) Sun 23 November 2025 10:40, UK Liverpool are among a host of elite European clubs keeping tabs on AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit ahead of the January transfer window.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 20 November that Liverpool are interested in Smit thanks to Slot’s connections at AZ.However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, it would be a surprise to see the 19-year-old leave the Dutch outfit in the January transfer window, with more movement expected at the end of the season.The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are interested in the Netherlands midfielder but may be made to wait to land his signature.Smit is under contract at AZ until 2028, placing the club firmly in control of his future, and Maarten Martens is extremely reluctant to lose his star player mid-season.Liverpool dealt blow in pursuit of Kees SmitFootball Insider revealed on 21 November that Liverpool could sign Smit for £25million, a fee which would be a club-record sale for AZ.Smit is regarded as one of the brightest talents to come out of the Netherlands in recent years, while Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders since the summer. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Liverpool, like a lot of the top European clubs, are looking at Smit.
“He is very highly regarded, regarded as one of the best young Dutch players to come through in recent years as well, he’s still only 19 but he’s a key player in that AZ team.“Dortmund, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Newcastle, all being linked with a move for Smit as well. Credit: Imago“He’s under contract at AZ until 2028 and I’m sure AZ don’t want to lose such a key player like Smit mid-way through the season.
“So I don’t see a move happening in the January window. Maybe in the summer AZ might be more open to selling him but again it would be a big fee.”Newcastle and Crystal Palace enter race for SmitIt is not just Europe’s biggest clubs keeping tabs on Smit, however, as Premier League outfits Newcastle and Crystal Palace also hold a strong interest.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in October that Crystal Palace are confident they can sign Smit and beat Europe’s elite clubs to a deal.Crystal Palace were wowed by Smit’s performance during their 3-1 Conference League win against AZ at Selhurst Park earlier this month.Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking MediaDespite Palace’s interest, however, Newcastle have been backed to land Smit ahead of their Premier League rivals should he become available in January.Meanwhile, former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 19 November that Smit wants to join Newcastle despite the rival interest.For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.