Jorge Mendes can deliver £70m midfielder to Liverpool

“Five English clubs are in the mix, including Liverpool and Arsenal, who are frequently named as stylistic fits thanks to their emphasis on technical midfield play,” the report reads.

“Manchester United see him as part of a broader rebuild, while Chelsea regard him as a longer-term project, as their focus is on ready-made Premier League players this summer.

“Newcastle United have also tracked him extensively, though competing with bigger-spending rivals may prove challenging.

“Occasional links to Tottenham should not be discounted, but they must remain in the Premier League, while no European football will make it difficult.”

Kees Smit: Situation summary

Kees Smit, 20, is a right‑footed Dutch midfielder who has come through AZ Alkmaar’s system and broken into the first team over the last two seasons, racking up 30+ senior appearances and establishing himself in the Eredivisie and Europe.

Operating mainly as a central or attacking midfielder, he blends physical power with high technical quality: he carries through pressure, links play in tight zones and hits aggressive, line‑breaking passes or switches of play rather than just recycling possession.

His form in 2025‑26 – Conference League starts, growing end product (goals and assists) and strong underlying progression metrics – has accelerated his reputation as one of the best young midfielders in the Netherlands.

Contracted to AZ until 2028, he is openly targeting a move abroad by 2026–27, and club and player both expect a record outgoing fee in the region of €60–75m if the right offer lands.

Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona, Dortmund, Newcastle and several Premier League sides are all credited with serious interest, with Smit himself described as focused on a top‑five league and Champions League football for his next step.

Mendes handling talks