Liverpool is ready to sign a highly sought-after player to strengthen their squad, overtaking Premier League rivals.
On 5 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Newcastle World, a media outlet focused on Newcastle United, reported that Liverpool is prepared to compete for Keith Smith, a promising midfielder from AZ Alkmaar, to play in the English Premier League.
Newcastle United has shown interest in 19-year-old Keith Smith since last summer, as several top European clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund have also been monitoring him. It appears "the Magpies" aim to sign him during the January transfer window.
However, sources reveal that Liverpool is now joining the race for Keith Smith after Alexis Mac Allister has struggled with form this season, and Wataru Endo has been hampered by injury, leading to reduced playing time under coach Arne Slot.
Keith Smith rose through the youth ranks at AZ Alkmaar before breaking into the first team in 2023. He is versatile, able to play as a defensive, central, or attacking midfielder. He helped the Netherlands U19 team win the European Championship this year and was named the tournament's best player.
Reports also state that Keith Smith's transfer fee is estimated at around £40 million (approximately 1.72 billion baht), although AZ Alkmaar currently does not intend to sell him during this winter transfer window.
