Richard Hughes makes genius Liverpool play as Reds look to avoid same mistake with wonderkid

Liverpool's first-team squad have massively let their fanbase down this season.

The club are currently sixth in the Premier League with some fans even thinking that they could miss out of Champions League football next season due to their poor form.

Because of this, the rumour mill has already started to turn ahead of the 2026-27 summer transfer window with several players being linked with Liverpool moves.

Some of the Reds' previous targets such as Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano have already had their futures decided but, since most of the players that Liverpool want to sign are also wanted by their rivals, they need to get ahead and start making their moves.

This is exactly what Richard Hughes seems to have done with the sporting director making a genius play ahead of the transfer window.

Liverpool have made contact with Kees Smit's entourage

Most Liverpool fans would say that the Reds' midfield is the last area that their club should be looking to upgrade.

Players such as Curtis Jones can't even get a look in which proves just how stacked Arne Slot's midfield ranks actually are.

Despite this, according to a report from Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Hughes has already made 'contact, with Kees Smit's entourage with view to sign him in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are just some of the other clubs interested in acquiring the 20 year old's services, but, since the Reds have already made their move for the wonderkid, they're the ones leading the way with their moves being 'decisive.'

The report outlines that one of the main reasons why Liverpool have already made their move for Smit is so that they don't miss out on their ideal target due to Real's interest.

This has happened twice in the past with Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni both opting to join Los Blancos over the Reds.

Richard Hughes forcing Liverpool to be the first team to make contact with Kees Smit's agents was a genius move

Even though Smit is one of the most sought-after youngsters in the world at the moment, Liverpool proving that they already have interest in the Dutchman is genius.

He may only be 20 years old but, his quality is second to none and, if the Reds end up being the ones to lead the way, they're likely to have first dibs on the midfielder.

It's hard to deny the fact that Smit's future is going to be the talk of the summer, especially if Alexis Mac Allister or Jones end up exiting L4.

Last term, Liverpool were one of the most dominant teams in the world and, although things only just seem to be clicking between some of their new signings, once everyone is fit and ready to fight next season, they could become dominant once again.

If Hughes manages to sign Smit in the summer, his proactiveness in the market could be one of the best things to happen to the club, especially if he turns out as good as he's said to be.

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