One final push. The Premier League title race has entered the last stretch, and Liverpool's advantage at the summit is almost unassailable.
Barring a dramatic decline, Arne Slot's Reds will be crowned champions by May, second-place Arsenal trailing 12 points behind. Focus is already being turned ahead to the summer transfer window, with the gaffer sure to want to avoid any bouts of second-season syndrome.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot before the match
Liverpool need reinforcements in a range of zones. Trent Alexander-Arnold's expected move to Real Madrid should give rise to a concerted approach for a successor, but it's on the other flank that bringing someone in is a more pressing need.
It's early days yet, but Milos Kerkez is the name on most fans' minds.
Liverpool's interest in Milos Kerkez
Liverpool have been linked with Bournemouth's Kerkez for several months now, Slot having grown concerned about Andy Robertson's decline and Kostas Tsimikas' unshakeable reputation as the second-fiddle man.
Kerkez has been a "revelation" for the Cherries this season, so says Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher, bringing a potent and sparky style to the left side of Andoni Iraola's backline.
Now, things are starting to shift. As per The Times, Bournemouth will demand a fee of £45m for their 21-year-old star this summer, who has three years remaining on his current deal.
Milos Kerkez for Bournemouth
In short, chairman Bill Foley is ready to play hardball, even if the Hungarian, good friends with Dominik Szoboszlai, wants the move.
However, FSG rarely place all their eggs in one basket and could move for a different up-and-comer, one who might even have a higher ceiling than Liverpool's ostensible top target.
Liverpool eyeing Kerkez alternative
Kerkez is a talented guy, but he's not the only exciting left-back on the market. According to Football Insider, Liverpool are also interested in Ajax star Jorrel Hato, 19, and have been informed that a £40m bid would convince the Dutch giants to sell.
Hato's propensity to impress across central and wide defensive berths makes him an attractive proposition indeed for Slot's Liverpool. For one so young, £40m is a tall order but the lofty potential is clear.
Ajax Amsterdam's Jorrel Hato celebrates after the match
However, Arsenal, Chelsea and Los Blancos are all keen too, so the Anfield side will need to act swiftly if they are to complete the signing of a supertstar in the making.
Why Jorrel Hato would be perfect
A buccaneering defender, Hato is aggressive and brave, rooted in his defensive virtues but eager to travel about and progress play forward.
Jorrel Hato in action for Netherlands
Described as an "exceptional athlete" by analyst Ben Mattinson, Hato has been something of a revelation for Ajax, who are nine points clear at the top of the Dutch Eredivisie, two seasons without winning the title.
Already, he's featured 104 times for the first team, racking up four goals and nine assists, with Mattinson unsurprisingly highlighting his "insane quality on the ball".
FBref have the data to back it all up: the teenager ranks among the top 20% of full-backs across relevant leagues over the past year for ball recoveries and the top 6% for through balls per 90.
Jorrel Hato
While Hato wouldn't come cheap at £40m, it may be that he would make a better signing than Kerkez, for Hato could be shaped by Slot's craftsman hands, nurtured into a player capable of serving across multiple defensive roles.
At 6 foot, the Dutchman is a powerful and commanding player, perhaps with a more structured style of play that could see him dovetail into Slot's system without eliminating a natural attacking edge that has actually topped Kerkez's own haul this term.
Jorrel Hato vs Milos Kerkez (2024/25)
Stats (* per game)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Touches*
Pass completion
Big chances created
Dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Clearances*
Duels (won)*
Stats via Sofascore
Hato might have the properties to perform as a centre-back in the long run, but he's played the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign as a full-back and would be the perfect understudy for Robertson, 31, next season.
Well, understudy with a view toward leapfrogging the veteran. Hato's tactical qualities lend themselves to success across multiple roles, but he's got the ball-playing ability and sinewy athleticism to pass the tests the Premier League has to offer and indeed flourish in the years ahead.
Liverpool's Andrew Robertson during the warm up before the match
Robertson, indeed, may be flagging but has still served as a starting member of a potentially title-winning team, completing 89% of his passes in the Premier League.
His style of play has worked so well for Liverpool over the years, though, that it might be that Hato's somewhat similar approach could bear dividends for the Reds as they move into their second iteration under Slot's wing next season.
Harking back to the table above, Hato is showing signs of being a more able and reliable defender than Kerkez, who is no rookie himself, with an endless gas tank and an unwavering sense of tenacity besides.
Such prodigal talent has seen Hato become one of Europe's most exciting youngsters. Indeed, last month, he became a part of his side's prestigious 100 club, the youngest to achieve the feat at 18 years old - Matthijs De Ligt was the previous holder at 19 years and 199 days.
The exciting thing is that he's got so much potential still to tap into. With Slot, his compatriot, guiding him to the fore, it could be a match made in heaven for Liverpool as they look to get even better next year.
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A tough ask; they are heading for the Premier League title, after all. But to consolidate this position of strength under Slot's management, this is just the type of signing needed. Kerkez is great, Hato's just better, and a mite cheaper at that.
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