Premier League heavyweights Liverpool are reportedly considering ramping up their efforts to sign 18-year-old Dutch prodigy Jorrel Hato, who will cost around €30 million.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Jorrel Hato is the subject of interest from Liverpool. Chelsea and Real Madrid are also keen on signing the Ajax prodigy, with the Eredivisie giants valuing him at around €30 million. However, the Reds are eager to beat the competition by accelerating their move for the Dutch defensive sensation and signing him in the winter transfer window.
Jorrel Hato has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at Ajax. The Dutchman has been a rare bright spot in a chaotic period for the Eredivisie club, making his mark at the back even though the giants have blown hot and cold in the last few seasons.
The 18-year-old has already turned out nearly 100 times thus far for Ajax while chipping in with four goals and eight assists. Hato’s exploits for Ajax have also helped him break into his national squad, and he has made five appearances for the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Real Madrid.
Chelsea will likely part ways with Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile in the summer transfer window. In addition, Trevoh Chalobah faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, even though he has started both games since returning from his loan stint with Crystal Palace. So, Hato has emerged as a viable target for Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s interest in Jorrel Hato is understandable. Virgil van Dijk is on the wrong side of 30, with the veteran defender entering the final six months of his contract. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez have been injury-prone during their spells with the Merseyside club. So, Hato is an option worth considering for Liverpool.
As for Real Madrid, Eder Militao is recovering from a second long-term knee injury in as many seasons. Meanwhile, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger on the wrong side of 30.