Fabrizio Romano Confirms Liverpool’s Interest in Signing ‘Talented’ Defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Circling Ajax Prodigy Jorrel Hato: A Summer Deal in Sight?

Liverpool’s transfer radar has once again zeroed in on one of Europe’s brightest young defenders, with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato firmly on their summer wishlist. The 18-year-old, already capped at senior level for the Netherlands, is drawing increasing attention from top Premier League clubs, and Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed Liverpool’s interest is very real.

Speaking via his YouTube channel, Romano 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.”

This confirmation follows speculation sparked by Hato’s appearance at Anfield earlier this year during Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Ipswich Town – a visit initially chalked up to friendly ties with ex-teammate Ryan Gravenberch. But in hindsight, it may have been the start of something more deliberate.

Versatility and Vision: A Solution for Two Positions

With defensive reinforcements high on Liverpool’s summer agenda – especially at centre-back and left-back – Hato’s positional flexibility offers a compelling solution. He has seamlessly shifted between both roles for Ajax this season, maintaining high standards in both defensive output and build-up play.

Ajax academy director Nigel de Jong didn’t mince words in his praise, calling Hato:“The most complete defensive product since De Ligt.”This statement is not hyperbole. Hato’s metrics reflect an elite-level defensive prospect:

In total, he has contributed 3 goals and 6 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions – exceptional numbers for a defender, especially one still in his teens.

Liverpool and Chelsea in Familiar Transfer Duel

As Romano also noted, Chelsea are not far behind in their admiration of the Dutch star. The Blues are tracking the same profile of young, tactically versatile talent. The Reds and Chelsea have clashed repeatedly in the transfer market in recent windows, often chasing similar targets, including Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo.

It remains to be seen which club Hato sees as a better fit for his development. Liverpool’s recent title triumph under Arne Slot and their more stable project could prove attractive – especially considering Slot’s Eredivisie background and potential to fast-track Hato into the starting XI.

What Happens Next?

With Hato reportedly content to wait until the summer before considering a move, all eyes now turn to Liverpool’s transfer execution strategy. Ajax have remained firm throughout – refusing to entertain any winter sales – but the summer window presents a fresh landscape.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s recruitment team have been aggressive yet calculated under their new structure, and Hato fits their model: young, high-ceiling, and tactically flexible. Should the Reds press ahead, it would mark another investment in the future, as well as a strong statement from Slot’s newly crowned Premier League champions.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s every reason for Liverpool fans to be excited by this. Jorrel Hato is not just another “wonderkid” hyped by social media. He’s putting up senior-level numbers in one of Europe’s most storied development clubs. And with Nigel de Jong comparing him to Matthijs de Ligt – a player Liverpool had previously shown admiration for – it suggests Hato’s ceiling is genuinely elite.

What’s especially encouraging is the versatility. Liverpool struggled in key matches this past season when injuries hit the backline, and having someone who can deputise at left-back and central defence offers priceless cover. Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk are no longer spring chickens – and bringing in a young, adaptable defender is a proactive move.

With Arne Slot at the helm, Liverpool’s Dutch connection only deepens. If there’s anyone who can help Hato adapt quickly to the rigours of the Premier League, it’s Slot – who not only understands Dutch football culture but has proven he can deliver instant success at Anfield.

Given the options in the market, this feels like the perfect blend of quality, affordability, and long-term planning. And let’s not ignore the rivalry with Chelsea – winning this tug-of-war would be satisfying on many levels.

In short, this feels like more than just transfer noise. It’s got the shape of a smart, strategic play. If the club get it over the line, fans should be delighted.