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It only feels like a few weeks since Liverpool signed Alexander Isak on transfer deadline day. And yet, in just 46 days, it will be able to dip into the market again should it desire.
More likely, unless an opportunity comes up that Liverpool cannot turn down, the Reds will wait until the summer. A center-back is one priority —signing at least one in 2026 is surely a must — but there could be other positions to strengthen too. Much will depend on new contracts, with Ibrahima Konate offering a hint on his future earlier in the week.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. We start with a Dutch wonderkid who could soon join one of Europe's biggest clubs.
Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)
Liverpool is among the clubs interested in a move for 19-year-old wonderkid Kees Smit, according to the Dutch outlet Soccer News. The teenager has scored twice in the Eredivisie so far this season.
Arne Slot is said to be a big fan of the attacking midfielder. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Newcastle United are also supposedly keeping tabs on him ahead of a potential move.
Smit is valued at a fee higher than $29 million (£22 million), which would represent a club-record sale for AZ Alkmaar. The player is under contract until 2028.
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"He has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and move the ball forward. That is something we value," Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman said about Smit.
"The resemblance people see [to Barcelona midfielder Pedri] is in how he positions himself and his decision-making under pressure. But every player must form his own identity."
Liverpool.com says: At Anfield, game time is something that young players must consider. Smit would have to beat off strong competition for a spot in the team, which might make other moves more appealing.
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs are all monitoring the in-form Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo ahead of a potential move for the 25-year-old in the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
Semenyo, who scored twice against Liverpool at Anfield on the opening day of the Premier League season, has scored six goals and provided three assists in 12 games in all competitions in total.
With Liverpool keen not to put any barriers in the pathway of Rio Ngumoha's development, it remains to be seen whether Semenyo would be a high priority.
The player is thought to have a secret release clause in the contract he signed at the Vitality Stadium this summer. Bournemouth wanted $93 million (£75 million) for him before that new deal was penned.
Liverpool.com says: Semenyo has made a good start to the season but the Reds have to work out what they need next in attack. Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz can both play off the left, in addition to Cody Gakpo and Ngumoha.
Mohamed Salah might not be at his best but he could still play a big part this season and the Egyptian is under contract until 2027. Semenyo can play on both sides of the attack but Arne Slot does have a few options already.
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