Rumours have spread like wildfire after Ajax wonderkid Jorrell Hato was reportedly spotted at Anfield last weekend.
The defender has been claimed to have been in attendance to watch Liverpool defeat Ipswich 4-1, on a rare free weekend for the Eredivisie giants, prompting speculation that he could join his countrymen Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch on Merseyside.
The versatile 18-year-old has shone over the past two seasons and become a permanent fixture in the Ajax team, causing teams such as Liverpool to take notice and consider prising him out the Netherlands.
Hato’s supposed visit to Anfield would undoubtedly have put their transfer rivals on alert, with former Tottenham and Netherlands goalkeeper Michel Vorm warning Liverpool that Hato will not be short of suitors and they would need to act fast to secure his signature.
“100 per cent Jorrel Hato is a top talent, and I think almost big club in Europe is looking at him,” Vorm told Express Sport with 888sport. “He starts every game, and he needs game time to gain more experience.
“He has played in a few positions in defence, and I would say don’t leave too early, but I think the Dutch league is a good one to begin your career and then to then progress to one of the big leagues in Europe, like the Premier League or La Liga.
“I am sure he will go onto have a big career, and it could well be in the Premier League, so let’s see what happens this summer.”
Hato has predominantly played on the left of Ajax’s back four this season, an area that the Reds may be looking to improve upon, especially in the summer.
A dip in form for Andy Robertson has given Kostas Tsimikas more of an opportunity at left-back, but Hato could be the long-term successor to the Scot that many have been demanding.
Liverpool have already received one glowing endorsement, from their former captain Jordan Henderson, who currently plies his trade for Ajax alongside Hato.
“It’s crazy how young he is, but obviously how mature he looks when he’s on the pitch and also off the pitch,” Henderson said just under a year ago. “He’s a very mature person. Works hard. Fantastic player. And yeah, he has a bright future ahead of him, I’m sure.
“I think he just needs to continue to do what he’s he’s been doing. Obviously it’s been working for him, but, yeah, I’ll try to help him.
“And also, the players if they ask for a little bit of advice off the field. If I can help them I’m sure I’ll try and do that, of course.”
