Overview
- Multiple outlets report that Liverpool are considering a serious move for the 19-year-old midfielder, with Arne Slot’s longstanding admiration cited as a factor.
- Newcastle have been newly linked and are said to be positioning for midfield reinforcements, with some reports suggesting interest could accelerate as soon as January.
- Barcelona, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also tracking Smit, reflecting a broad elite-market pursuit.
- Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman publicly compared Smit to Pedri, and the teenager recently completed 90 minutes for the Dutch U21s.
- Smit has delivered 12 goals and seven assists in 2025 and is under contract until 2028, with any deal likely to require a club-record fee for AZ; no formal offers have been confirmed.