Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea are ‘in Contact’ to Sign £40m Liverpool Target | OneFootball

Chelsea Make Official Move for Liverpool Target Jorrel Hato

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have now made “official club to club contact with Ajax for Jorrel Hato as next top priority!” The 19-year-old Dutch defender, already making waves in the Eredivisie, is reportedly open to a move to Stamford Bridge, with Romano adding “Hato, understood to be keen on the move and already prepared to accept personal terms at CFC.”

This news will come as a blow to Liverpool fans who had quietly been hoping to see Hato don the red shirt this summer. Romano had earlier confirmed that Liverpool were tracking the player, with the club including him on their shortlist as they aim to strengthen both central defence and left-back positions.

The Ajax talent featured prominently in the 2024–25 campaign, making 31 league appearances, scoring twice and assisting six more while helping his side to 13 clean sheets. His composure, tactical intelligence and versatility have made him one of Europe’s most talked-about teenage defenders.

Liverpool’s Bold Summer Strategy

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s first summer window since lifting the Premier League title has been nothing short of extraordinary. The club has already shelled out £273.5 million in total outlay, with big-name arrivals including Florian Wirtz (£116m), Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m), Milos Kerkez (£40m), Giorgi Mamardashvili (£25m) and Hugo Ekitike (total package of £79m).

This level of ambition, while eye-catching, reflects a clear shift in philosophy from FSG, who have moved from being measured investors to outright market aggressors. With such significant investment already made, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will intensify their pursuit of Hato, or choose to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.

Chelsea’s New Direction Under Maresca

Chelsea’s interest in Hato underlines Enzo Maresca’s clear intent to mould his squad around young, tactically flexible talent. His approach so far has been characterised by an effort to secure technically gifted players with high potential ceilings. Hato fits this blueprint perfectly.

The fact that “negotiations [are] ongoing with very good relationship between clubs”, as Romano notes, suggests Chelsea may have the edge in this particular race. Yet, if Liverpool’s approach this summer is anything to go by, they may not walk away quietly.

What Next for Liverpool and Hato?

While Hato’s appearance at Anfield earlier this year was explained away as “just a friendly invitation from compatriot Ryan Gravenberch”, the Merseyside club’s admiration is clear. With injuries and squad depth to consider over a long season, Slot could still push to bring the Dutch international in before the window closes.

Liverpool’s need for another central defensive option remains, especially given long-term uncertainties over Joel Matip’s future and Ibrahima Konaté’s occasional fitness setbacks.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this Hato development is frustrating but not necessarily final. While Chelsea may have initiated “official” contact, the Reds have been quiet operators this summer, with most deals being conducted behind the scenes until late stages. Hato’s name on Liverpool’s shortlist proves they see his quality and potential.

At just 18, Hato already looks like the kind of intelligent, composed ball-playing centre-back Arne Slot would value. His ability to play as a left-back adds further appeal, given Liverpool’s need to rotate and protect both Andy Robertson and Milos Kerkez across a demanding calendar. It’s exactly the sort of multi-functional profile that Liverpool have targeted in recent seasons.

There’s also the Gravenberch factor. Friendships and national team links often hold more weight than people think in modern transfers. If Liverpool decide to reignite their interest and match Chelsea’s terms, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Hato reconsider.

At the same time, there’s a question of priority. With Wirtz and Ekitike already through the door, and Mamardashvili addressing the long-term goalkeeping picture, it’s possible Liverpool feel they’ve done enough this summer unless the right opportunity arises. Given how Chelsea’s spending has landed them in financial tight spots before, fans may be content letting this one slide.

Still, seeing a clear talent like Hato move to a rival, especially when the player has been previously linked to Anfield, always stings just a bit more.