Dean Huijsen is not the only exciting young centre back that Liverpool are competing with Chelsea to sign as the Blues are also in the race to sign Ajax star Jorrel Hato.
Bournemouth’s 19-year-old star Huijsen is attracting a lot of attention from top sides around Europe after his performances this season put him alongside some of England’s best defenders.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool can beat Chelsea to Huijsen with wages likely to be the deciding factor. The defender has a £50million release clause in his contract but if he picks Stamford Bridge over Anfield, there is little the Reds can do.
This is why Liverpool have several options to reinforce their central defence squad depth and 19-year-old Ajax star Jorrel Hato is one of the players they are keeping a close eye on.
Liverpool and Chelsea also fighting for Jorrel Hato, says Fabrizio Romano
In addition to their ongoing competition for Huijsen’s signature, Liverpool and Chelsea are the main suitors for Hato as the Dutchman heads for an Ajax exit this summer.
Reporting via his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are the main two English sides interested in signing the teenager this summer transfer window.
The journalist said: “Let me start with Jorrel Hato, this talented defender from Ajax. For sure, he’s a player on the list of Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League.
“So both clubs are monitoring the player, and for sure he’s on the list.”
Before this most recent update, Romano can also be quoted as saying that Hato is the No.2 target while Huijsen is the main priority for Liverpool.
On the ‘Here We Go’ podcast, Romano said: “Chelsea and other clubs are waiting for Dean Huijsen’s decision. Chelsea and Liverpool also have Jorrel Hato on their list if they don’t get Huijsen.”
It does make sense for Huijsen to be the preferred target
Not only has he proven to be Premier League capable, Huijsen’s build simply makes way more sense for a centre-back playing in the most physically competitive league in the world.
Hato, while a wonderful defender and certain to be a top player in his own right, stands a bit short (for a central defender) at 6ft.
Meanwhile, Huijsen is 6ft4 although he has yet to mature physically so remains a little lanky and skinny but that comes with age.
Liverpool fans should not fret if Hato does end up joining the club as he is way more than what his height offers on its own. Arguably better on the ball in tight spaces as a result of his lower centre of gravity, Hato is a fine player but it does make sense why Liverpool would prefer Huijsen.
