Arne Slott and Ruben Amorim (Photo: Alex Broadway, Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Liverpool are reportedly preparing a move for AZ Alkmaar’s teenage sensation Keith Smit, with Football Insider revealing they would need an offer in the region of £25m to sign the midfielder.
The defending Premier League champions are one of several European giants keeping an eye on the highly-rated 19-year-old, whose impressive performances in the Eredivisie have made him one of Europe’s hottest young talents.
Smit, a Dutch Under-21 international, has already established himself as one of the most promising players in Dutch football.
The youngster shows maturity beyond his years, which is why Manchester United are also one of the clubs eyeing a move for the young Dutch midfielder.
Keith Smit impressed for Liverpool and Man United
His ability to dictate play from midfield has drawn comparisons to Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, both in terms of style and intelligence.
This season, the young playmaker has been directly involved in four goals in 12 Eredivisie games, underscoring his growing influence at AZ Alkmaar despite his age.
Liverpool manager Arne Slott, a former Eredivisie manager, is thought to be a big fan of Smit.
Slott’s deep knowledge of the Dutch football landscape and his close monitoring of the midfielder’s rise, particularly through AZ’s youth structure, could give Liverpool a potential advantage in negotiations.
Reds in competition to sign young Dutchman
However, there is no clear path for Liverpool to sign him. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund are all monitoring the situation.
Real and Barcelona see him as a future midfield anchor, while Dortmund, known for nurturing young talent, could certainly offer him a chance in the first team.
AZ Alkmaar is in no hurry to sell and is expected to remain strong unless its valuation is met.
The club believes Smit has the potential to become one of the best midfielders to emerge from the Netherlands in recent years and will only accept offers that reflect his potential.
Sky Sports reporter: Liverpool are ‘seriously working on’ big-money signing in January
