Liverpool are preparing for a crucial summer transfer window as they aim to reinforce their defence ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
One of the areas Arne Slot will be keen on addressing is the defence. While Van Dijk has extended his contract with Liverpool for another two years, the club has started working on his long-term replacements.
One player strongly linked with a move to Liverpool is Dean Huijsen, but the Merseyside club faces extreme competition for his signature.
Real Madrid are showing strong interest in him while Arsenal and Chelsea are also keen on signing him.
But Liverpool reportedly have a plan B if they fail to sign Huijsen.
Liverpool to go after Jorrel Hato if they fail to land Dean Huijsen
Among the alternatives, Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato has emerged as a serious candidate, with Liverpool monitoring Hato for months.
And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that the Merseyside giants have added the Dutchman to their shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.
As per Romano, the club is waiting for Huijsen to make a decision before they pursue Hato who will cost them £25m.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “Let me start with Jarrel Hato, the talented defender from Ajax. For sure he’s a player on the list of Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League.
“So both clubs are monitoring the player and for sure he’s on the list. All these clubs Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and more are all waiting for Huijsen to make his choice.
“You remember as I told you all these three clubs Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are strong in the race for Dean Huijsen. So for sure, they are all waiting for the player to make a decision.
“But Jorrel Hato is also on the list at Chelsea and Liverpool as a potential name in case they can’t get the Huijsen. So, Hato for sure is on the shortlist.
“Now Ajax are focused on completing their fantastic season trying to win the league and then Hato will be one of the names to watch for the summer transfer window.”
Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk is a big fan of Jorrel Hato
Hato came through Ajax’s academy, breaking into their first team in 2023, and has since established himself as a regular.
Under Francesco Farioli, he’s made 47 appearances this season across competitions, contributing three goals and six assists. While he’s primarily a left-back, he’s extremely versatile and can slot in at centre-back as well – a quality which has made him in demand.
His emergence has garnered a lot of praise with Virgil van Dijk already giving the Reds his seal of approval.
It is reported that Van Dijk is a ‘big fan’ of Hato, as previously reported by Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele:
“Mail Sport first trailed their interest in Milos Kerkez way back in November and they remain in the race for Bournemouth’s Hungary left back. Jorrel Hato at Ajax has also been mooted.
“But talk about him has cooled somewhat recently, though Virgil van Dijk is said to be a big fan.”
