Liverpool Ready to ‘Put Pressure on’ Top-flight Rivals in Transfer Race for 19-year-old ‘Born Leader’
Liverpool are reportedly preparing to step up their efforts to rival several Premier League clubs in the pursuit of one of Europe’s most highly rated teenage prospects.
According to Fabrizio Romano last month, the Anfield hierarchy have shifted their focus to Ajax defender Jorrel Hato after failing to land Dean Huijsen, who has now joined Real Madrid.
Chelsea appear to be leading the chase for the 19-year-old and are believed to have begun discussions with Johnny Heitinga’s side over a move for the versatile youngster, as reported by CaughtOffside.
Liverpool Won’t Let Chelsea Have a Free Run at Hato
A fresh update has surfaced regarding the chase for the Dutch teenager, with a source speaking anonymously to CaughtOffside.
The source revealed that Chelsea’s hierarchy have initiated contact with Ajax over Hato, but Liverpool, along with two other top-five Premier League clubs, are unwilling to allow the Blues an uncontested path to secure the player’s signature.
The source stated: “Chelsea are aware that other Premier League clubs are closely monitoring Hato’s situation. Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle have already gathered information and remain attentive. This puts pressure on Chelsea, as waiting too long could allow other teams to gain an advantage in the race.”
The teenager is expected to be available for around €50m (£42.1m) this summer, with Ajax reportedly determined to stick to that valuation but seemingly accepting that they are likely to lose him in the near future.
Hato is Exactly the Kind of Defender Liverpool Should Be Targeting
Hato only celebrated his 19th birthday in March, yet he has already built up a remarkable amount of senior experience for someone so young. The Dutch defender has made over 100 appearances for Ajax’s first team and has also earned six caps for the Netherlands.
Kevin Lux, Netherlands content manager at Transfermarkt, has hailed Hato as a “born leader” with “all the qualities of a potential world-class defender.” He is known for his strong dribbling and passing skills, as well as his impressive ability to read the game well beyond his years.
According to FBref, Hato ranked in the top 1% of full-backs across Europe last season for pass completion, recording an 89.4% success rate. Additionally, he was in the 88th percentile among full-backs for successful aerial duels per 90 minutes (1.77), further highlighting the versatility in his game.
With a reasonable price tag, the ability to operate both centrally and on the left, and a wealth of experience already under his belt, Hato fits the profile of exactly the kind of defender Liverpool should be targeting to strengthen their backline.
Although Chelsea appear to be ahead in the race for his signature, based on the claims of an anonymous source, Liverpool are seemingly ready to make their move should the Blues falter in their efforts to land him.
While Richard Hughes is currently prioritising deals for Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, pursuing a transfer for the Ajax youngster should also be a key objective, particularly if it means gaining an edge over Premier League rivals.
In other news, Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool Keen on £84m Striker as Florian Wirtz Claim Emerges
