Liverpool have held direct talks with Ajax defender Jorrel Hato over a summer move, journalist Duncan Castles has revealed.
The Premier League winners have reportedly earmarked the 19-year-old Dutchman as a potential defensive reinforcement, having been made aware of Hato’s availability on the market.
Castles claims Ajax are open to selling the versatile defender this summer, but are demanding a ‘very high’ fee, as Hato is considered one of the best prospects in his position across Europe.
Ajax were more inclined to part ways with Hato last summer, when they were in a much more precarious financial position, but none of the interested European clubs took up the opportunity.
Ajax are open to selling the 19-year-old prospect
Jorrel Hato
Castles, speaking on the Transfers Podcast, has revealed that Ajax are open to selling Hato this summer in a potentially ‘very big’ deal, amid growing Liverpool interest:
“Jorrel Hato, a young, super-talented defender, actually, Ajax’s youngest ever captain, still just 19 years of age.
“Plays both at left-back and centre-back for Ajax, but I think in the longer term, he's expected to become a centre-back.
“What I can tell you is there have been direct conversations between Liverpool and Hato over joining the Premier League champions this season.
“And those conversations have taken place with the knowledge of Ajax, who are open to selling the player.
“But I'm told from the Ajax end that the pricing on the player is going to be very high this summer. “I think basically the top European clubs missed an opportunity last summer, when Ajax were struggling, both on the field and financially, and where Hato could have been picked up on a far cheaper deal, potentially with a buy and loan back to Ajax, but nobody took on that opportunity.”
“But Liverpool, yeah, look, we're talking about Hato and what could be a very big deal there.”
Hato made his first-team debut for Ajax aged just 16 two seasons ago and has been an important part of the Dutch club’s back four ever since, making 111 appearances and registering 13 goal contributions.
The 'world-class' 19-year-old has also already won six senior caps for the Netherlands, having made his first appearance for Oranje back in November 2023.
Liverpool have already welcomed full-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen this month and are pushing to seal another two quick deals for Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez.
The Reds are also believed to be interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with reports suggesting a significant offer is being prepared.
Jorrel Hato's Ajax Stats (2024/25 Eredivisie)
Games
Goals
Assists
Goal-creating actions
Minutes played
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Statistics courtesy ofFbrefandTransfermarkt. Correct as of 20 -06-25.