Liverpool have beaten their Premier League rivals to secure the capture of highly-rated Ajax defender Ki-Jana Hoever, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The regional newspaper reports on their website that the 16-year-old defender – whose long term future is likely to be at centre-back – has also been on the radar of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City, along with a host of other clubs from Europe.
Hoever was said to be convinced to make the move to Anfield after hearing about the chances given to young players by Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp.
He was yet to sign a professional contract with the Champions League club, meaning that Liverpool only need to pay Ajax a nominal compensation fee for his services.
OPINION
Liverpool have pulled off a massive coup by securing the signing of the Dutch teenager, especially as they had to fight off competition from a host of other clubs. Klopp is known for helping to develop young players, so Hoever has made the right decision to join a club that can help him continue his progression. Not much has been seen of the young defender, which is largely down to his age, but he was rated as one of the Dutch outfit’s biggest academy prospects after an excellent season. Ajax are obviously devastated to lose one of their most prosperous talents to the Premier League giants, but he will surely make a name for himself at the club in a few years’ time. The fact that other top clubs were eyeing him indicates what a sought-after player he really is, and Liverpool are lucky to have landed him – and they must help him thrive.
