Ajax fear they’ll lose talented defender Jorrel Hato next summer, but Arsenal are unlikely to be among his suitors this time around.
BACKA TOPOLA, SERBIA: Jorrel Hato of Ajax in action during the UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round 2nd leg match between FK Vojvodina and FC Ajax at TSC Arena on August 01, 2024. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images
Jacob Whitehead reports for The Athletic that senior sources at Ajax fear they’ll lose Jorrel Hato next summer.
Ajax were only willing to consider a “monster offer” for Hato last summer, and the player’s representation made it clear to potential suitors that he didn’t want to leave. But it’s expected that teams will start circling again next year.
Arsenal were previously one of Hato’s foremost suitors, but Whitehead reports that the signing of Riccardo Calafiori means a new pursuit of the player in 2025 is unlikely.
MUNICH, GERMANY: Jorrel Hato of Netherlands in action during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3 match between Germany and Netherlands at on October 14, 2024. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB)
Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB
It was Hato himself who put the rumours of a 2024 summer transfer to bed back in June, confirming that he only wanted to play for Ajax in the 2024/25 campaign.
“No, I’ll just play for Ajax next season,” Hato said then. “I haven’t finished learning here yet. And I want to win prizes with Ajax. That was my dream when I came here.”
Hato had remained one of Arsenal’s top targets despite agreeing a new contract with Ajax, and club sources felt they were the frontrunners for the signing if he decided to leave.
But the player’s own wishes ultimately pushed the Gunners in another direction.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - AUGUST 06: Jorrel Hato of Ajax Amsterdam runs with the ball during the Pre-Season friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and AFC Ajax Amsterdam at Signal Iduna Park on August 06, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Hato has made 23 appearances for Ajax this season, playing exclusively at left-back. He’s also started to become a regular for the Dutch national team, making the starting lineup in two of their last four games and coming off the bench in the other two.
The player’s value is only continuing to increase, and perhaps it’s now beyond the limits of what Arsenal were hoping to pay.
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