Liverpool did not strengthen Arne Slott’s squad during the January transfer window, but fans will take solace in the £60m signing of Jeremy Jacquet, one of the world’s most talented young centre-backs, who will join this summer.
This is a huge step towards a defensive revival, as much of the Anfield side’s struggles this season have been due to disjointed and error-prone displays at the back.
For now, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate (whose contracts expire at the end of the season) will have to be patient, but with Giovanni Leoni working towards his return from a long-term knee injury, Liverpool have the strength for the next few years.
And FSG will feel they can turn to other areas, as their central midfield has also been responsible for this disappointing title defence.
Liverpool lead race to sign new midfielder
Liverpool have been plagued by a number of issues this season, but Slott probably didn’t go into the season expecting his smooth, stylish midfield to be several notches down from last year’s level.
Alexis Mac Allister was one of the biggest culprits, being dull and erratic enough to disrupt the central role. The 26-year-old Argentina star has been described by one content creator as “resembling Fabinho in his final season” after “physically falling off a cliff”.
This week, The Athletic admitted that Real Madrid’s long-standing interest in the 2022 World Cup winners could resurface, meaning Liverpool may need to find a replacement for Sharpe.
His replacement could be AZ Alkmaar’s Keith Smit, who Spanish sources say is being pursued by Liverpool, as well as Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Liverpool and Arsenal are actually thought to have the upper hand in the race thanks to the financial muscle of the 20-year-old, who is said to be worth as much as €75m (equivalent to £65m), with Europe’s elite all starting to show interest.
The Dutch star is still at the start of his career but is already proving that he is a stylistic fit for a team like Liverpool, especially with Mac Allister entering the final stages of his career at Anfield.
Why Kees Smit can replace Mac Allister
Smit is a playmaker with all the qualities of a midfielder and box-to-box presence, and has been hailed as an up-and-coming player with “superstar potential” by analyst and scout Ben Mattinson.
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After playing a bit part in AZ’s first team in the 2024/25 season, Smit is now at full strength as one of the most reliable midfielders, starting 18 Eredivisie games and playing a central role in the Dutch Conference League, where they faced Armenian side FC Noah in the play-offs.
Smit is a talented playmaker and if Liverpool’s interest intensifies in the coming months, there will be plenty of praise for his ball-playing ability and creativity.
However, Smit’s intelligence, athleticism and energy further differentiate him and could see him develop as Mac Allister’s successor, especially given the Argentine’s struggles throughout the current campaign.
Alexis Mac Allister vs Kees Smit – League Form 25/26 | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | Mac Allister | smit |
Match (start) | 23(19) | 18(18) |
Goal + Assist | 0+2 | 2+2 |
touch* | 49.4 | 63.0 |
Exact path* | 33.2 (87%) | 42.5 (89%) |
Opportunities created* | 0.7 | 1.6 |
It was successful. dribble* | 0.2 (33%) | 1.0 (45%) |
Ball recovery rate* | 2.7 | 5.8 |
Tackle + Interception* | 1.6 | 1.8 |
Duel (win)* | 2.7 (44%) | 3.6 (41%) |
Data via Sofascore | ||
Smit is certainly playing with more creative ambition, but he is also more energetic and proactive in his all-round duties as AZ’s midfielder. In fact, he is described as a “dueling monster” by the aforementioned Mattinson.
It’s important to apply context to these comparisons. Of course, Mac Allister will be one of the best-performing midfielders in the Eredivisie, although he won’t be the big pick.
However, Smit is young and has shown all the qualities a young prospect needs to secure a starting spot in Liverpool’s midfield in the slot.
Smit, who has already distinguished himself against Crystal Palace in the Conference League this season, may have what it takes to step into Mac Allister’s role in a division as tough as the Premier League.
It would be a shame to lose Mac Allister to Real Madrid, but if he doesn’t return to his best form there will definitely be a need for a replacement, and in Smit they could sign a new version.
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