Report: Chelsea leading the race to sign 'crazy' defender who Liverpool view as Virgil van Dijk's successor
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Liverpool could be ready to loosen the purse string in 2025 after completing just one permanent signing in the whole of last year.
Federico Chiesa was the only incoming at Anfield during Arne Slot’s first summer in charge of the club, while they didn’t sign anyone last January as everything came to a standstill after Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to leave.
The upcoming transfer windows, however, could prove to be different, with Liverpool ready to pounce if players they want become available.
And now, a highly-rated defender who they view as Virgil van Dijk’s successor seems like he could be heading elsewhere.
Chelsea leading race for Liverpool linked Jorrel Hato
Van Dijk is arguably Liverpool’s most important player and has been a rock at the back since his world-record move to Anfield in January 2018.
The Dutch international has aged like fine wine and is still going strong despite being 33.
Liverpool are in talks to renew Van Dijk’s contract and are expected to reach an agreement soon, extending his long stay at the club.
The towering defender has shown no signs of slowing down, but as seen with Liverpool’s capture of Giorgi Mamardashvili, they believe in being ahead of the curve to sort out successors for their most important players.
In November, RTK exclusively revealed that Liverpool are set to make Jorrel Hato a top target as they scour the market for Van Dijk’s heir.
With youngster has delivered a string of magnificent displays for Ajax in recent months and looks like the next big thing to come out of their famed academy.
But now, Caught Offside report that Chelsea are leading the chase to sign the 18-year-old, with Arsenal and Real Madrid also in the reckoning.
Ajax want Hato to stay, but there is a growing belief within the club that the youngster will move on to greener pastures in the upcoming transfer windows as clubs across Europe circle for his signature.
Hato an intriguing option for Liverpool
Jordan Henderson described Hato as a ‘crazy’ player, with the former Liverpool captain currently plying his trade with the Eredivisie giants after leaving the Saudi Pro League.
The 18-year-old has predominantly featured as a left-back this season and has recorded eight goal contributions in 28 appearances across all competitions.
However, he is also capable of playing as a centre-back, a fact that really highlights his versatility.
Liverpool could be on the lookout for players in both positions in the summer, so it doesn’t come as a surprise to see them linked with Hato.
However, with Chelsea set to be leading the race, the Reds need to decide quickly if they want to firm up their interest as the 18-year-old clearly seems like a supreme talent who could be a brilliant addition to Slot’s side.
