Liverpool are well on their way to bolstering their defence this summer.
Indeed, while a lot of focus in recent times has been around Florian Wirtz’s impending move to Liverpool, the Reds are also performing some serious surgery on their backline.
Jeremie Frimpong has already signed for Liverpool, Milos Kerkez is set to join the Reds, and now, Liverpool have had private talks with another defender about joining the club.
Speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Duncan Castles has been discussing Liverpool’s transfer plans, and he says that the Reds have now held direct talks with Jorrel Hato about signing this summer.
Jorrel Hato in action for Ajax
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Liverpool hold Jorrel Hato talks
Castles claims Liverpool have had direct conversations with Jorrel Hato about signing for the Reds this summer.
Ajax are apparently aware of these talks, but they won’t be keen to sell the Dutchman anytime soon.
Indeed, according to Castles, Ajax are going to demand a huge fee for Hato this summer.
“He plays at both left-back and centre-back, but longer term he’s expected to become a centre-back. What I can tell you is that there have been direct conversations between Liverpool and Hato around joining the Premier League champions this season and those conversations have taken place with the knowledge of Ajax,” Castles said.
“They are open to selling the player, but I’m told from the Ajax end that the pricing will be very high this summer.”
Liverpool’s growing Dutch contingent
Arne Slot has only been at Liverpool for 12 months, but he’s already establishing a strong Dutch contingent within his playing squad.
Indeed, if Hato joins, he’ll become the fourth Dutchman in this side.
Liverpool’s Dutch contingent
Arne Slot
Virgil van Dijk
Ryan Gravenberch
Jeremie Frimpong
Jorrel Hato*
*Not yet signed
On top of that, Milos Kerkez also has Eredivisie experience, so there is a strong Dutch influence on this team.
Virgil van Dijk is a massive fan of Hato too, and he could well train him up to ultimately be his replacement if this deal goes through.
Liverpool have been linked to Marc Guehi recently, but perhaps Hato could end up being the centre-back they go for this summer.