Liverpool are reportedly accelerating plans to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato after he was recently left starstruck after meeting and greeting Virgil van Dijk.
Arne Slot’s maiden season as Liverpool manager has gone exceedingly well so far despite going against the grain somewhat.
The Dutchman decided against adding any fresh faces to his squad after taking over the talented squad left behind by Jurgen Klopp. Instead, he started by impressing his tactical demands on the players.
Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation under Slot but reports are now suggesting that the first signing under his reign as Liverpool boss could be another talented Dutchman.
Liverpool are reportedly accelerating plans to sign Ajax star Jorrel Hato
According to a report from TeamTalk, Liverpool are considering a late bid to sign Hato this month during the January transfer window.
The Reds had previously considered making a summer move to bring him to Anfield but with a couple of injuries at centre-back this season, it would be wise to move now even if not completely necessary.
The report claims that due to Virgil van Dijk’s uncertain future at the club and increasing competition for Hato’s signature, Liverpool are tempted to move sooner rather than later.
Real Madrid and Chelsea have both made inquiries over his situation in Holland and this has alerted Liverpool and potentially set them in motion for a late January signing.
As many modern-day defenders are, Hato is very versatile and can play as a left-back in addition to his natural centre-back role.
Hato was left star-struck by van Dijk and some fans believe they saw him in the stands at Anfield
The last time 18-year-old Jorrel Hato met Virgil van Dijk, he was left visibly awestruck by the Liverpool captain. As the captain of Holland and arguably the best centre-back in the world for the last seven years, it’s no surprise.
Jorrel Hato was absolutely star-struck when he last met Virgil ?pic.twitter.com/3srVDlvsGd
— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) January 26, 2025
Hato moving to Anfield would be an interesting but valuable move for Arne Slot’s side. On the one hand, Liverpool need depth at both left-back and centre back and on the other, he’s very young and throwing him into a Premier League title race would be a lot of pressure to put on a teenager’s shoulders.
That being said, nobody expected Gravenberch to have the season he’s had so far and it would not surprise me at this point if Slot has a similar vision for Hato.
Data from Fbref shows that the Ajax starlet ranks in the 99th percentile for the percentage of aerial duels won and the percentage of dribbles tackled per 90 minutes. In terms of what Slot wants from his defenders, he seems a good fit.
Some fans believe Hato was at Anfield for the 4-1 win over Ipswich Town but only time will tell if he will indeed make the move to Merseyside this month.
Been sent this pic as well, is the same guy I saw. pic.twitter.com/G4oNAnTQRr
— YagzLFC (@YagzLfc) January 25, 2025