Liverpool transfer news as $28M summer target confirms where he wants to play

Liverpool has been linked with a move for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit — but the 20-year-old has admitted that he would like to play in La Liga in the future

Kees Smit continues to be linked with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Dutch sensation Kees Smit has confessed his aspiration to play in Spain in the future, despite Liverpool showing interest.

The Reds have been associated with a move for the AZ Alkmaar midfielder for quite some time. It seemed as though Liverpool had gained an advantage over its competitors, with rumors indicating that the Reds were at the forefront in the race for his signature. However, while they remain in the running, it seems that Smit has dreams of playing elsewhere, specifically in La Liga.

In a conversation with SuperGaande, the 20-year-old expressed: "I really enjoyed watching Barca. I grew up watching (Andres) Iniesta and (Lionel) Messi, who I consider two of my role models."

When asked about his preferred league to play in, Smit responded: "La Liga. Playing there would be amazing.

"I love the sun, I'm tired of playing in the cold and rain, so I'd like to go play in Spain.

"I watch all Barcelona matches. It's simply my favorite club. I love watching Pedri and Frenkie de Jong."

Smit is impressing in the Netherlands(Image: Getty Images)

While a transfer to Spain and Barcelona could indeed be in the cards in the future, Smit has commented on the likelihood of him leaving AZ, stating it's something he hasn't yet contemplated.

He stated: "I never considered leaving AZ. My dream was to play here my whole life. Ideally, it would be a step to another Dutch team, but I don't think that's going to happen."

Smit is a graduate of the AZ academy, having ascended through the club's youth ranks to make 69 first-team appearances.

The lion's share of those matches have taken place this season, with Smit clocking up 38 appearances across all competitions and netting four goals.

Should Smit make the switch to Liverpool, he would be joining a number of his fellow countrymen at Anfield, including manager Arne Slot, as well as Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Jeremie Frimpong and Cody Gakpo.

According to Transfermarkt, Smit is valued at €25 million ($28.7 million).

Liverpool has had a less-than-stellar season this time around, with its Champions League spot seriously in jeopardy. The Reds currently occupy fifth place in the table, trailing Chelsea by two points with eight fixtures remaining in the season.

They are set to return to action on Wednesday when they face Turkish outfit Galatasaray in their Champions League last-16 tie, ahead of Saturday's encounter with Brighton.