Liverpool Eye Ajax Starlet Jorrel Hato as Next Defensive Successor To Van Dijk in Surprise January Move

Jorrel Hato To Anfield? Liverpool manager Arne Slot seeks to improve his team’s impressive defensive record moving forward into the key second half of the season.

The tight title race with Arsenal and their solid defensive performance has convinced Liverpool manager Arne Slot that strengthening his squad defensively will help maintain consistent performance and depth.

Liverpool continues their pursuit of 18-year-old Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, according to information from TEAMtalk, which indicates the club may intensify their transfer efforts.

The Reds plan to finalize their deal for Hato early this month because Real Madrid and Chelsea have emerged as substantial rivals for his acquisition.

Hato’s market value is expected to soar shortly leading Liverpool to pursue his signing early because it would launch them ahead in the competition for his services.

From the beginning of this season, Hato has established himself at Ajax through his 31 appearances across all competitions. In the current season, the defensive midfielder has provided five assists and three goals and played all 2,579 minutes for the team.

The multitude of defensive positions Hato performs, along with his positional versatility, makes him an attractive option as Liverpool times their tactical development.

Jorrel Hato Is A Versatile Defender

The Dutch defender started as a centre-back before this season, but he adapted his skills for a position as a left wing-back while playing as a central defender as needed by the team.

Today’s football requires full-backs to keep the defensive lines secure while showing the ability to transform between entire defensive systems.

Hato possesses skills that match Robertson’s level but also enable him to fill in as a defensive central midfielder after Konaté has sustained multiple injuries.

Hato received comparisons against Liverpool’s defensive pillars Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson. The Dutch teen shows dual potential for central defence by following the paths of either Van Dijk through his attacking passes and aerial victories or replacing Robertson as a strong defender without offensive impact.

The Liverpool squad shows serious intentions toward securing Hato’s services because they seek to develop a defensive foundation which will keep them strong in the Premier League and further campaigns. The opposition teams must now decide if they will buy Hato before Liverpool does.