Liverpool learn £25m price for top target but face competition for his signature

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Liverpool have been told they will need to pay £25m to land top target Kees Smit in January. The AZ Alkmaar star has attracted interest from several top clubs with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Newcastle, and Borussia Dortmund all keen.

The 19-year-old has scored two goals and added two assists in the Eredivisie so far this season. Football Insider has reported that while it is unlikely the player makes a move in January, a £25m fee could be enough for Liverpool to convince AZ.

That sum would represent a club-record sale for AZ. Smit is under contract until 2028, and is regarded as one of the brightest talents to come from the Netherlands.

He has established himself as a key man for AZ despite his young age, and the Dutch outfit will be reluctant to sell their star player. Premier League rivals Newcastle and Crystal Palace are also keen on the player, with the latter impressed by Smit’s performance in a Conference League clash.

Palace ran out 3-1 winners, but noted Smit’s performances ahead of a potential future move.

Liverpool have been tipped to enter the January market despite their heavy summer investment. The defending champions spent nearly £450m on the signings of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong.

The Reds have endured a torrid title defense campaign however, suffering a sixth loss in seven games against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Liverpool sit 11th in the Premier League table, and could be looking to add a spark in the January market.

New signing Florian Wirtz has so far struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, while regular midfield pairing Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have not been able to reproduce last season’s form.

While Smit likely wouldn’t break into Arne Slot’s side right away, he could likely become a key figure in the future.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.