It’s been a positive 48 hours for Liverpool fans, with long-awaited updates arriving on the futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Both players, whose contracts were due to expire at the end of the season, are now reportedly edging closer to extending their stays at Anfield until the summer of 2027.
While Salah and van Dijk remaining on Merseyside would represent two of the most important bits of business Liverpool could do this summer, Arne Slot still intends to strengthen the squad further as he prepares for his second season in charge.
Liverpool target Ajax star Jorrel Hato amid Arsenal competition
One player firmly on the Reds’ radar is Jorrel Hato, Ajax’s 19-year-old defensive sensation.
According to Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are “firmly in the race” to land the versatile Dutchman, who can play at both centre-back and left-back – two positions Liverpool are actively looking to reinforce this summer.
Slot is said to be a big admirer of his fellow countryman, and with Hato’s impressive form in the Eredivisie this season, making 44 appearances across all competitions and contributing nine goals and assists combined – the interest comes as no surprise.
However, Arsenal are also strongly interested in Hato, with his versatility and composure beyond his years making him an attractive option for both Premier League giants.
At just 19, Hato has already captained Ajax and is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Europe.
Slot sees Hato as the ideal squad fit
Hato’s ability to operate across the backline makes him a perfect fit for Slot’s tactical setup at Liverpool.
With uncertainty surrounding the futures of some of the current defensive options – and van Dijk entering the final stretch of his career – a signing like Hato would offer both immediate cover and long-term stability.
Reports suggest Ajax could be willing to cash in for around £40 million, a fee Liverpool may be willing to meet given the player’s age, talent, and ceiling.
With Slot looking to reshape and evolve his Liverpool squad, Hato represents exactly the kind of signing that fits the club’s model: young, versatile, and ready to make an impact. And with Salah and van Dijk poised to stay, the building blocks for a successful new era under Slot are well and truly being put into place.
