Liverpool can hijack Newcastle transfer - again - this time for £52m

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Liverpool have been offered the chance to gazump Newcastle in a move to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit for around €60m (£52m). A week ago, the Reds did it again by signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna after Newcastle repeatedly low-balled the La Liga outfit while Liverpool simply triggered his €40m (£34.6m) release clause.

Now, they have been offered the chance to do it again with a move to sign Smit. Liverpool could poach a third transfer from Newcastle United with Kees Smit swoop According to TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool now have the opportunity to beat Newcastle to Smit, although there are many teams in the hunt for the highly-rated 20-year-old.

The race to sign highly-rated AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is gathering pace, with Newcastle United leading a growing list of admirers and stepping up their quest to sign the 20-year-old after he made it clear he is open to a move this summer.https://t.co/hVmPtPxCVF — Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) June 23, 2026 Bailey reports: “Sources have confirmed that Newcastle have stepped up their pursuit in recent weeks, reaffirming their long-standing admiration for one of Dutch football’s brightest young talents. “Sources understand that Liverpool are expected to sign a new midfielder this summer for new boss Andoni Iraola, though their priorities currently lie in adding a new winger to their attack and they are currently assessing a wide range of midfield options this summer.” Liverpool need a new midfielder, but Smit is not the one they need While Smit has many of the traits needed to succeed in an Andoni Iraola system, the Dutchman is raw and unproven at the highest level.