Liverpool are looking at Ajax left-back Jorrel Hato as a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson at the end of the season, according to an exciting update from reliable journalist Paul Joyce.
Robertson has been an unbelievable player for the Reds since joining from Hull City back in the summer of 2017, cementing his place as one of the full-backs Anfield has seen.
Now approaching his 31st birthday, however, the Scot is not quite the force he used to be, no longer possessing the energy to relentlessly get up and down the left flank, despite still being solid.
For that reason, a top-quality replacement will need to come in during the summer transfer window, which isn’t to say that Robertson needs to be sold.
According to The Times‘ Joyce, Liverpool see Hato as a good option to bring in at the end of the current campaign, along with Bournemouth ace Milos Kerkez, who is another talented left-back with a big future in the game.
He also mentions that Kostas Tsimikas is “not a long-term solution” at left-back, which perhaps suggests that he could move on instead of Robertson.
Superb left-back option for Liverpool
This has to be considered a promising update for Liverpool, considering what an enormous talent Hato is, already becoming a key man for Ajax at the age of just 18.
The Dutchman has made 98 appearances for the Eredivisie giants, despite his tender years, and analyst Ben Mattinson has lauded his brilliance, saying:
“Another Ajax academy graduate and although their profiles aren’t identical, they share a lot of similarities in the role they can fulfil. Hato is an exceptional athlete for his age whilst being a technical player who can carry through the lines.”
Another big plus point with Hato is the fact that he can also thrive as a left-sided centre-back, perhaps being seen as not only a long-term successor to Robertson but also Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool supporters may be split over who they would rather come in out of him and Kerkez – the latter has proven himself in the Premier League, especially this season – but both stand out as superb young candidates to bolster Arne Slot’s depth at left-back.
