Liverpool have been one of the busiest Premier League teams in the transfer market this season.
Even though Arne Slot’s men were one of the most dominant teams in the top flight last term, there were still a couple of areas within their ranks that needed upgrading.
Players such as Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have been brought in as a result of this, and even though close to £200million has been spent, there’s still room within their ranks for more additions.
Arne Slot speaks to TNT Sports ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Aston Villa at Anfield.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
And now, it seems like the Liverpool manager is set to focus on bolstering his defensive ranks.
Liverpool are expecting to add Jorrel Hato to their first-team squad this summer
Ever since Jarell Quansah’s Anfield exit was sanctioned, it’s been clear that one of Slot’s main areas he wanted to reinforce was his back four.
At the moment, the Dutchman only has three senior centre-backs to choose from, and while that’s okay for a short period of time, it’s far from sustainable for an entire season.
And now, as per a report from Spanish outlet AS, it seems like Liverpool are expecting to add Jorrel Hato to their ranks.
The report outlines that Liverpool are preparing for a ‘powerful summer of investment’, with that already being proved with their latest move for Hugo Ekitike.
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And, even though Hato has been linked before, Slot is now ‘expected’ to beat Arsenal to the signing of the 19-year-old centre-back.
Jorrel Hato smiles during training with the Netherlands.
Photo by Peter Lous/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Jorrel Hato would be a smart addition for Liverpool
It’s been clear since the summer transfer window first opened that the Reds needed a new centre-back.
Indeed, Wataru Endo can be played in a back four if needed, but if two of Slot’s centre-backs get injured, it’s hard to tell whether the Japan international would be able to play two full 90-minute games per week.
Endo is now seen as Liverpool’s ‘closer’, with Slot more likely to bring him on during the final 10 minutes of a game to see it through.
Games Goals Assists
32 0 0
The 2024-25 season of Wataru Endo in numbers.
And, while he could probably do a solid job in Liverpool’s starting XI, it feels like he’s better off as an impact sub.
Of course, only time will tell whether Liverpool will sign Hato this summer, but if they do, they’ll be in a far better position than they currently find themselves in.
That is, especially since he’s already been dubbed a ‘special‘ talent.