Liverpool planning ‘serious bid’ for “impressive” Dutch wonderkid who’s already worked with Arne Slot

Liverpool manager Arne Slot. (Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence has derailed far more abruptly than supporters would have feared.

After Arne Slot delivered the championship in his first campaign, the expectation was that the Reds would build on that momentum. Instead, the current season has spiralled, with performances and results dipping sharply.

Defensive errors have become frequent, key players like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté are miles off their usual level, and the attack has lost its edge. Hugo Ekitike has been a rare bright spot, but Alexander Isak’s injuries and poor form, and Mohamed Salah’s decline, have left Liverpool short of cutting edge in the final third.

With seven defeats in their last 10 matches, the need for reinforcements is obvious.

Now, attention appears to be shifting toward one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders — and one Arne Slot knows better than most.

Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a major January bid for Kees Smit, one of the Netherlands’ most highly regarded young midfielders — and someone with a long-standing connection to Arne Slot.

The 19-year-old AZ Alkmaar talent has quickly become a central figure in their midfield, contributing two goals and two assists in 11 Eredivisie matches while earning praise from national team boss Ronald Koeman, who called him “impressive.”

According to Soccer News, Liverpool are actively exploring what has been described as a potential “mega transfer”, with the club considering a “serious bid” as early as January.

Slot is believed to be heavily involved in the discussions due to his personal history with the player: he worked with Smit during his time at AZ and was reportedly blown away by his ability even when the youngster was just 11 years old.

AZ, however, will not entertain a bargain sale. Reports suggest that any deal would need to surpass the club’s current record departure — the €25m they received from AC Milan for Tijjani Reijnders.

With Liverpool’s season threatening to drift, a high-ceiling midfielder like Smit could inject both energy and long-term stability into a squad in transition. Slot’s admiration for the teenager only strengthens the Reds’ position — but AZ’s valuation means this would be a true blockbuster move.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.