AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 23: Jorrel Hato of AFC Ajax applauds for the fans during the Dutch Eredivisie match between AFC Ajax and Go Ahead Eagles at Johan Cruijff ArenA on February 23, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Peter Lous/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Ajax defender Jorrel Hato has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Peter Lous/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Jorrel Hato transfer talks are heating up with the promising defender seemingly on the move in the summer. And speculation has suggested that Liverpool could be his destination.
The 19-year-old left-back, who can also play in the centre of defence, is said to be held in high regard by the big clubs of Europe.
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Despite his age, Hato has proven abilities beyond his years. This season he has made more than 40 appearances for Ajax and has eight goal involvements from the full-back position.
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Hato and Anfield are already well-acquainted. He was spotted at Liverpool's home ground earlier this season, watching the 4-1 win over Ipswich Town in January. But the teenager later explained that he was there purely on the invitation of his friend and fellow Netherlands international, Ryan Gravenberch.
And another of his compatriots, the two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, is not sure whether Hato is ready for a club like Liverpool just yet.
When speaking to Gambling Zone about Dutch prospects, the former Leeds United, Chelsea and Netherlands striker said: "The only real one for me is Hato, at Ajax. He's still very young, but he's playing week in, week out.
"In the Netherlands he gets away (with) playing as a centre-half. He won't be able to do that in England. Technically, he’s very good. When he plays at left-back, he has the ability to come into midfield.
"He's got everything, he's good with the ball. He can defend, he's quick enough."
While Hato is still learning to ply his trade, there are some concerns about his readiness for Premier League football. And asked whether the youngster is ready for such a move, Hasselbaink said: “I think it all depends. He listens; he's got a very good agent that is not pushing him to leave the Netherlands quickly.
"He had an option, he had an offer two years ago to go to one of the big English clubs, I'm not going to name names, but one of the big English clubs.
"They (Hato and his agent) decided not to do it because they wanted to play week in, week out for Ajax and get experience, make mistakes, learn and that's what they've done.
"They took a lot less money. I don’t know where Hato is mentally, if he is ready for the Premier League or if it’s better for his development to play for another season at Ajax.
"People forget how young the kid is. If he moved next year, at 19, a bit more mature, maybe that’s the better option.
"There’s so much pressure on you when you're that young. But he's obviously able to handle that. He's playing for the biggest team in Holland and in the national team as well."