Liverpool scout £51.5m-rated Kees Smit as top clubs circle young midfielder
September 18, 2026 23:20
Liverpool sent scouts to watch Netherlands midfielder Kees Smit when AZ Alkmaar faced Sunderland in the Europa League, according to reports. The 20-year-old is rated at £51.5m and has also been monitored by Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.
OTHER TRANSFER TRACKERS TO NOTE
- Tottenham are reported to be leading the race for 19-year-old Brazil defender Arthur Dias of Athletico Paranaense, who is valued at €30m; Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford have also been linked.
- Monaco have confirmed plans to sell United States striker Folarin Balogun in January after he withdrew from a late move to Everton.
- Manchester United are said to be monitoring Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 24.
- Liverpool and Chelsea are among clubs interested in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, 22.
- Manchester City and Liverpool have been named as suitors for Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha, 25, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly expected to seek €80m-€90m.
- Several European clubs are tracking Chelsea's English 20-year-old defender Josh Acheampong.
- Other young players mentioned in transfer links include Ajax's 17-year-old Abdellah Ouazane (Real Madrid interest), Sturm Graz's 17-year-old Luca Weinhandl (Arsenal, Brighton, Aston Villa monitoring; valued at £20m) and Tromso IL's 15-year-old Adama Jeng (Chelsea among interested clubs).
- Tottenham are considering free agent Mauro Icardi, 33, who left Galatasaray; reports say he could not be registered until January.
- Newcastle are reported to be preparing to revive interest in Djurgarden midfielder Bo Hegland, 22, after he opted against a summer move.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
- Monaco have specifically confirmed they plan to sell Folarin Balogun in January.
- Mauro Icardi, as a free agent, would not be available for registration until January if clubs pursue him.