Liverpool Considering January Swoop For This Dutch Defensive Prospect: Why Slot Must Make The Call | OneFootball

If a recent report from Rudy Galetti (via TEAMtalk) is believed to be true, Liverpool could accelerate a winter move for Jorrel Hato. They have been monitoring the young Ajax defender for quite some time and might step up the chase during this transfer window amid growing interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid.

The 18-year-old Netherlands international progressed through the academy ranks of Sparta Rotterdam before being roped in by Ajax in the summer of 2018. Following a brief yet impressive stint with Jong Ajax, Hato was promoted to their senior side two years back. Although the Dutch giants were undergoing a transition after losing several top names, Hato’s impact in the defensive third earned him a first-team status at the age of 16.

Predominantly a centre-back during his youth spell for the club and the country, the teenage ace was brought in to challenge and cover Owen Wijndal down the left. Hato featured as a centre-half in the 2023-24 campaign but is again restored as a left fullback by Francesco Farioli since his appointment back in May.

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – NOVEMBER 19: Jorrel Hato of Netherlands (L) vies with Ivan Sunjic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (L) during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3 match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Netherlands at Bilino Polje stadium on November 19, 2024 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, de Godenzonen are back in the Eredivisie race under the Italian chief. They are only four points behind league leaders PSV with a game in hand, and therefore, would prefer to have Hato in Amsterdam at least till summer. Having said that, the financial limitations could force them to accept a fee of around €30m for the prized asset.

Why Liverpool Must Step Up The Chase For Hato

Despite minimal transfer activities, Arne Slot has done wonders since replacing Jurgen Klopp as the Anfield boss. Liverpool are leading both Premier League and Champions League standings with little backing from the owners but, at the same time, lack depth in deep defence considering the congestion of fixtures for the rest of the season. Ever-present Virgil van Dijk is making his presence known week in, and week out, and so is Ibrahima Konate with his pace, power and precision.

However, the first-team pair does not have enough cover which forced Konate to rush his injury return following Joe Gomez’s hamstring pull. Jarell Quansah has not done enough to cement a starting spot in the Premier League, and the gaffer was forced to deploy Wataru Endo as a makeshift centre-back in Cup outings. Moreover, Andrew Robertson’s decline, as well as Kostas Tsimikas’ defensive frailty, highlights the necessity of a left-back to succeed the Scotsman for years to come. Hato’s ability to slot in both roles would see the Reds have a player who holds a similar profile as Man City’s Joško Gvardiol, Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori.