Liverpool in driving seat for £50m midfielder deal after Jorge Mendes update

Liverpool will be looking to continue their solid run of form when thy face Manchester City on Sunday.

The Reds' performances this season have been rather hit and miss with the club looking like the best team in the world during some fixtures and the absolute worst in others.

This inconsistency has raised many questions among the Anfield faithful such as whether Arne Slot has what it takes to continue leading Liverpool or whether their current crop of players has what it takes to win some silverware.

At the start of the season these questioned weren't even entering the minds of Liverpool fans but, with how poor they've been, it's hardly surprising to see fans asking for even more players to be brought in.

Indeed, the winter transfer window may have only just shut over a week ago, but that hasn't stopped transfer rumours from spreading like wildfire.

Liverpool now lead the way for Kees Smit

Before the last month or so, it would've been surprising to find a Liverpool fan who had heard of the name Kees Smit.

The young Dutchman currently plies his trade for Eredivisie outlet AZ Alkmaar and, over the last 12 months, he's taken the league by storm.

He's only 20 years old but due to his physicality, his in game knowledge and his keen eye for a pass, he's quickly become one of the most sought-after youngsters in the world.

And, since he burst onto the scene both Real Madrid and Liverpool have been linked with a move for him.

Los Blancos have been the ones leading the way most of the time but now, that all seems to have changed.

That is, as per a fresh report from Spanish outlet Sport who claim that Jorge Mendes is now involved in the transfer.

The super agents involvement 'increases the cost of the deal' which makes his transfer a little more difficult for Real Madrid. AZ Alkmaar now want €60 million (£52 million) to prise him away which is deemed a 'very high figure' by the La Liga outfit.

Each of these things coupled with the fact that Mendes' relationship with Real Madrid 'hasn't been the best' for a while means that the chances of Smit joining the La Liga outfit are dwindling each day.

This has resulted in the deal becoming 'more complicated' for them and is one of the reasons why Liverpool are now leading the way for the 20-year-old.

Kees Smit would be an impressive addition for Liverpool

Smit may only be 20 years old but the fact that he's managed to contribute to eight goals across all competitions from central midfield is nothing to frown upon.

Granted, his preferred position is in the centre of the park, there have been a couple of occasions in the 2025-26 season that the Dutchman has been used as an attacking midfielder or a defensive midfielder.

And, while he could easily fit into Slot's starting XI alongside the likes of Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister, the fact that the Reds have two of the best attacking wing-backs in the world could hint at a change of formation next term.

This, coupled with the fact that Jeremy Jacquet is set to join Liverpool in the summer proves that change could be afoot.

Nobody knows what next season has in store for Slot and his men, but, if they manage to achieve Champions League qualification this term, they'll need plenty of depth across the pitch which is why it's unsurprising to see Smit linked with Liverpool.

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