Liverpool Scouts Kees Smit as Premier League Rivals Eye Talents
The January window is still weeks away, but the scouting missions have already stepped up. Liverpool were among the clubs in the stands this week to watch highly rated Netherlands midfielder Kees Smit as AZ Alkmaar faced Sunderland in the Europa League.
The 20-year-old, valued at around £51.5m, is drawing a crowd. Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are all keeping close tabs on the AZ prospect, whose rise in the Eredivisie has quickly pushed him onto the radar of England’s elite.
United eye Branthwaite
Manchester United are also positioning themselves. The club are monitoring Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with the 24-year-old England international emerging as a serious long-term option for the heart of their back line.
Branthwaite’s form at Goodison Park has not gone unnoticed. United’s interest adds another layer to what is already a tense situation around one of Everton’s key assets.
Spurs push for Arthur Dias, weigh up Icardi
Tottenham, busy reshaping their squad, are leading the race for 19-year-old Brazil defender Arthur Dias of Athletico Paranaense. Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford are also tracking the youngster, who is valued at around 30m euros, but Spurs currently have the edge.
Their recruitment discussions do not stop there. Tottenham are considering a move for free agent Mauro Icardi after the Argentine striker’s departure from Galatasaray. Any deal would come with a delay: the 33-year-old could not be registered until January.
Balogun set for Monaco exit
In France, Monaco are preparing for change up front. The club have confirmed plans to sell United States striker Folarin Balogun in January after the 25-year-old performed a late U-turn over a deadline-day move to Everton.
His future now looks set to be one of the more intriguing storylines of the winter window, with Monaco ready to cash in.
Monaco open door on Camara
Balogun may not be the only departure. Monaco have admitted that a deal for 22-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara could be possible in January. The Senegal international has drawn interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, who are both tracking developments closely as the Ligue 1 side weigh up their options.
Chelsea’s next wave under watch
Chelsea’s academy conveyor belt continues to attract scouts from across Europe. Several clubs on the continent are monitoring the situation of 20-year-old English defender Josh Acheampong, who is being closely followed as he navigates his next step at Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid target Ouazane
On the continent, Real Madrid are preparing a push of their own. The Spanish giants are ready to go all out to sign Morocco’s 17-year-old midfield talent Abdellah Ouazane, currently at Ajax. The teenager is the latest in a long line of young midfielders Madrid have identified as part of their succession planning.
Newcastle revive Hegland pursuit
Newcastle United are set to revive their interest in Djurgarden midfielder Bo Hegland. The 22-year-old Norwegian opted against a move in the summer, but the Premier League club are expected to return to the table as they look to refresh their midfield options.
Arsenal, Brighton and Villa chase Weinhandl
Another teenager drawing serious attention is Luca Weinhandl. Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa are all monitoring the 17-year-old Sturm Graz midfielder, who is already valued at around £20m. For a player yet to make the leap to one of Europe’s top leagues, that price tag underlines how highly he is regarded.
City and Liverpool circle Nmecha
At the top end of the market, Manchester City and Liverpool are both keen on Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha. The 25-year-old has become a key figure at Borussia Dortmund, who are expected to demand between 80m and 90m euros for any sale.
With heavyweight clubs queuing up for emerging talent and established names alike, January is shaping up less like a mid-season tune-up and more like a full-scale reshuffle.
