Jorge Mendes can deliver £70m midfielder to Liverpool
· Yahoo Sports
Liverpool look set to rebuild their midfield over the summer transfer window.
Arne Slot has been relying on the same cast of midfield characters for the last couple of seasons - and is getting diminishing returns from some of them.
Visit amunra.qpon for more information.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are simply not at the same level as they were during the 2024/25 Premier League title win while Wataru Endo has struggled with injury.
Add in a complicated contract situation for Curtis Jones and you can see why midfield is becoming a priority for Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.
Kees Smit wanted by Liverpool
One player who could be coming on board is Jorge Mendes-linked Kees Smit.
The 20-year-old currently starring for Eredivisie side AZ is widely expected to move on this summer. Under contract until 2028 the Dutch international will fetch between €60m and €80m (£52m to £70m) if he is sold.
That’s according to a report in TEAMtalk which puts Liverpool right in the mix for the creative midfielder’s signature.
“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.