'One to keep an eye on': Journalist explains what's really now happening with Liverpool and Jorrel Hato
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Liverpool are running out of time in which to do business before the January transfer deadline.
The Reds have so far stayed silent in the market and with only six days remaining will have to act fast if they plan on changing that.
For a lot of supporters, the lack of activity from Liverpool will be another frustration after a string of quiet transfer windows.
Some had hoped that given the struggles of Andy Robertson this season, Liverpool would act decisively and bring a left-back in during the winter.
As a result, rumours that Ajax defender Jorrel Hato was at Anfield to watch the Reds beat Ipswich on Saturday caused understandable excitement.
Further reports suggested that Liverpool are planning a late swoop for Hato in the January window. Now, Rousing The Kop transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has moved to clear up what’s really happening between the Reds and the Ajax starlet.
Jorrel Hato one to watch for summer transfer
Hato is a versatile defender who has deputised at both left and centre-back for Ajax.
As a result, the 18-year-old is exactly the kind of player Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool need to sign over the coming months.
And according to Bailey, Hato is certainly on the radar at Anfield. However, the youngster’s visit to watch the Ipswich game – by invitation of Ryan Gravenberch – is not linked to any future move.
“They like him, but he was just there supporting a friend,” says the journalist. “We know he’s one Liverpool have considered but nothing has developed this window. He’s on their list but a lot of teams like him.”
“Liverpool won’t have used that as an opportunity for talks with the player, they don’t need to do that. But he’s very much one to keep an eye on for the summer, he’s going to be in demand.
“Arsenal may not be in for him after signing Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly coming on, so that’s one of the suitors out of the picture,” Bailey adds. “But Liverpool, Chelsea, quite a lot of clubs like him.”
How is Hato performing this season?
Despite not turning 19 until March, Hato has already made 92 appearances for the Ajax first-team.
His career with the Dutch giants is reminiscent of Gravenberch, who played 103 times before leaving aged only 20.
This season, Hato has primarily been playing at left-back, with Youri Baas and Josip Sutalo preferred as a centre-back pairing.
Having featured in 31 of Ajax’s 35 matches this season – starting 30 – it’s safe to say that Hato has been a key player for Francesco Farioli’s revitalised team.
