Liverpool boss Arne Slot wants the Reds to snap up AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, according to reports in the Dutch media.

The 19-year-old was coming through the youth ranks when Slot was appointed AZ head coach at the start of the 2019/20 season, and he has kept tabs on his progress ever since.

SoccerNews.nl claim that Slot is “seriously thinking” about purchasing Smit, who has been compared to Barcelona’s Pedri by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman in terms of his style of play.

So far this season, the teenager has scored 2 goals and contributed 4 assists in 19 appearances for AZ.

Liverpool have been linked with the player before

The Reds were mentioned as potential suitors for Smit back in the summer, along with several other Premier League clubs.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Brighton and Leeds had been scouting the midfielder, along with the Merseysiders, but Chelsea and Tottenham were regarded as favourites for his signature at the time.

Smit is not taking the Pedri comparisons to heart

While many would take the comparison to a top Spanish player as a compliment, the Dutchman isn’t completely convinced about the similarities:

“I’m not confused by it but I do understand that people might have thought it was a bit of a weird comparison. I didn’t expect it, but I thought it was nice words [from Koeman]”

When asked more directly whether he is the new Pedri, Smit didn’t want to say too much, saying it is up to fans and pundits to make up their own minds:

“Other people have to judge that. I think he’s really good, so I’d actually say not. But if other people say so, I think it’s good to hear.”

We shall have to wait and see whether Smit does end up linking up with Slot once more at Liverpool.

Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here