Liverpool Still in the Race for €50m Ajax Star Despite Arsenal Interest | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Long-Term Vision and the Hato Hypothesis

Liverpool’s summer rebuild may already be in motion, but the prospect of adding Ajax’s prodigious defender Jorrel Hato speaks volumes about the club’s long-term ambitions. While TEAMtalk reports Arsenal remain the frontrunners for the 19-year-old’s signature, Liverpool’s interest, first revealed in April, has not disappeared — and nor should it.

Hato is, by all accounts, one of Europe’s most gifted young defenders. Born in Rotterdam and bred in the famed Ajax academy, he embodies the modern defender: composed, intelligent and versatile. His 2023/24 campaign included 46 appearances, three assists and invaluable leadership experience, even captaining Ajax in select fixtures. For a teenager, that is no small feat.

He has already earned six caps for the Netherlands, and in a post-Van Dijk era, Liverpool could do far worse than securing a player regarded as the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year.

Slot’s Structural Needs at Anfield

Liverpool’s left side of defence is evolving. With Andy Robertson turning 30 and Milos Kerkez expected to arrive as the club’s next first-choice left-back, Hato’s role would likely be more central — quite literally.

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TEAMtalk’s suggestion that Hato played 36 times at centre-back in 2023/24 is telling. While Arsenal are eyeing him as a left-back, Liverpool may view the teenager as the natural heir to Virgil van Dijk, who at 33, has just signed a new deal but cannot anchor the defence forever.

Then there is the question of Ibrahima Konaté. His contract situation is becoming increasingly precarious, and with Real Madrid rumoured to be circling, Liverpool could soon find themselves in need of a new defensive lynchpin.

Hato could be eased into the Premier League under Arne Slot, an ideal environment for development. The familiarity with Dutch systems and cultural context would help the transition. In a year or two, Liverpool may not only need a new centre-back, but a new leader. Hato ticks both boxes.

Arsenal’s Pull and Premier League Competition

Of course, Liverpool’s path to securing Hato is far from clear. Arsenal have been tracking him since he was 15, with long-term succession plans in mind. Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko may depart, opening the door for a new face at left-back. Chelsea too, remain part of the equation, according to TBR Football.

“Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in signing Hato from Ajax in the summer transfer window.”

“TBR has now reported that Arsenal and Chelsea have ‘held talks’ over signing Hato this summer.”

Crucially though, the race remains open. TBR noted, “Hato’s camp are keen to keep the race for the defender open and have insisted to Chelsea and Liverpool that nothing is decided — he is still more than open to playing for any of the clubs mentioned.”

Liverpool should take that openness seriously. This is not merely a battle of money, but of pathway and project. Hato’s potential Anfield future is not about 2024, but 2026 and beyond.

Why the Price Reflects the Potential

Ajax’s valuation is firm. €50 million, around £42.6m, is a steep figure, but for a teenager of Hato’s calibre, it is not unreasonable. Especially not in a market where inflated figures are now standard for proven, even partially proven, talent.

“Sources have told TEAMtalk that Ajax want €50million (£42.6m, $58m) for Hato and are not willing to lower their demands.”

For context, that is less than Manchester United paid for Rasmus Højlund or what Chelsea spent on Wesley Fofana. If Hato matures into a defensive general, this summer could be the last time a club like Liverpool gets value for money.

Arsenal might be the emotional pull. They’ve done their groundwork, and Mikel Arteta’s system could be ideal. But Liverpool can offer something Arsenal cannot — the chance to be mentored by van Dijk, under a compatriot coach, at a club where generational defenders are carved from stone.

“The report has noted that ‘Hato believes Arsenal to be the near perfect destination for this next step’.”

It is up to Liverpool now to convince him that perfection can be found at Anfield too.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is exactly the type of move we need. Hato is not just any teenage sensation, he is someone who can genuinely step into van Dijk’s boots over the next two or three years. What’s not to like? He’s got Eredivisie experience, he’s a Netherlands international, he can play left-back or centre-back, and he is used to high-pressure games.

Sure, Arsenal have the emotional pull — he’s followed by them since he was 15 — but Liverpool can offer stability, European football, a proven track record with Dutch players, and Arne Slot. If we are seriously planning for the post-van Dijk era, this deal makes too much sense to ignore.

Let Chelsea and Arsenal talk. If we want Hato and we show it properly, we can win this race. And if we do, we will be securing a cornerstone for the next decade. Over to you, Edwards and Hughes.