Liverpool Set to Battle Chelsea in the Race to Sign £42m Defender, Report
Liverpool are reportedly set to put pressure on Premier League rivals as they turn their attention towards Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, one of Europe’s most coveted young defenders, according to a report from Anfield Index, citing sources from CaughtOffside.
The Reds’ interest in bolstering their defensive ranks has taken another twist following the failed pursuit of Dean Huijsen, now bound for Real Madrid. Chelsea have reportedly led the chase for the Dutch teenager and are understood to have opened talks with Ajax. However, a source told CaughtOffside that Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle have all “gathered information and remain attentive” to the situation. The insider warned, “This puts pressure on Chelsea, as waiting too long could allow other teams to gain an advantage in the race.”
Hato, who only turned 19 in March, is said to be valued at around £42 million, with Ajax reluctant but ultimately resigned to losing him this summer. Anfield Index reports that his profile is perfectly aligned with Arne Slot’s tactical preferences. Comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, the Ajax prodigy has already amassed over 100 senior appearances and six caps for the Netherlands. His blend of positional intelligence and technical quality stands out in a defensive market saturated with raw but inconsistent talent.
As Kevin Lux of Transfermarkt highlighted, Hato is a “born leader” and possesses “all the qualities of a potential world-class defender.” These include elite dribbling, progressive passing, and a rare sense of game-reading maturity for his age. His numbers also tell a compelling story. According to FBref, Hato ranked in the top 1% of full-backs in Europe last season for pass completion (89.4%) and sat in the 88th percentile for successful aerial duels (1.77 per 90 minutes). These metrics underline his readiness to transition to a possession-based, high-intensity Premier League side like Liverpool.
Although Chelsea may be marginally ahead in the race, Anfield Index suggests that Liverpool are not just watching from the sidelines. Their interest has been described as active, and they are poised to capitalise if the Stamford Bridge club falters. The sense from Anfield is that Sporting Director Richard Hughes, while currently prioritising deals for Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, recognises the long-term value of Hato. Liverpool need youthful energy and depth at the back, particularly with Joel Matip’s departure and uncertainty around Ibrahima Konaté’s injury record.
Should the Reds outmanoeuvre Chelsea and bring Hato to Merseyside, it would represent a coup both in footballing and strategic terms — depriving a direct rival of a generational talent. Hato is not just a statistical standout. His leadership on the pitch is something Liverpool will undoubtedly admire, especially with Virgil van Dijk entering the latter stages of his career. Being Dutch, the 19-year-old could also benefit from an established pipeline of national camaraderie at Anfield, including the likes of Van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch.
In an era where elite young defenders are snapped up early by Europe’s biggest clubs, Liverpool’s proactive approach could pay significant dividends. While Chelsea have made the initial move, this story is far from over. Anfield Index analysis suggests that this is exactly the sort of move that gets fans buzzing. Hato isn’t just another young talent — he looks like a cornerstone defender for the next decade. His tactical versatility, experience at a top European club and leadership qualities at just 19 are unheard of in today’s game.
With Arne Slot building on a title-winning debut season, adding someone like Hato would feel like both a statement of intent and a continuation of the club’s tradition of investing in potential. The fact that he’s Dutch, like Van Dijk, makes the narrative all the more exciting. Imagine Hato learning under Virgil’s guidance before eventually stepping into that leadership role himself. And from a supporter’s view, stopping Chelsea from landing him adds that extra bit of spice. Liverpool flexing their muscle in the transfer market after winning the league? That’s the energy fans have been craving for years. If Hughes can pull this off, he won’t just be filling a gap in defence — he’ll be setting the foundation for sustained dominance.
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