Liverpool's failed bid to sign Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen could see them move for another young European star, Fabrizio Romano has revealed in his GIVEMESPORT transfer newsletter - with Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato being on their shortlist to bolster their defence.
Huijsen's exceptional debut Premier League campaign at Bournemouth saw the majority of Europe vying for his signature, with Arsenal and Chelsea all interested in adding the young Spain international to their ranks after a superb season on the south coast. But Saturday morning saw Real Madrid confirm that they would be his next club after activating a supposed £50million release clause, and so the Reds must move on to other targets.
Romano: Liverpool Could Move for Hato After Huijsen Snub
The Reds will now have to move on to other transfer targets this summer
Jorrel Hato
Reports have claimed that Jarell Quansah's exit from Anfield will be expected in the summer transfer window, and with Joe Gomez suffering from injury issues, that could see Arne Slot aim to bring a young defender in to eventually replace Virgil van Dijk, despite the Dutchman signing a new contract in the summer transfer window.
Jorrel Hato's Eredivisie statistics - Ajax squad ranking
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And it could be his young compatriot Hato who comes to Merseyside, with Romano stating that he's 'appreciated' by the Reds ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window. Romano wrote in his GIVEMESPORT transfer newsletter:
"For sure Hato is one of the players appreciated at Liverpool, let’s see also what Arsenal decide to do."
Hato has only just turned 19, but he's already made over 100 appearances for the club, and even made his Netherlands debut at the age of 17 - seeing a rapid rise, including 17 Europa League games this season as Ajax got to the round of 16 stage of the tournament.
It's no wonder clubs are keeping a close eye on his talents, with Hato having been in the first-team setup at Ajax for the past three seasons, and he's made a first-team spot his own at such a young age.
Slot will know him from his time in the Eredivisie as Feyenoord boss, and the chance to bring in Hato - who former club captain Jordan Henderson described as 'fantastic' - would be too big of an opportunity to pass up.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 17-05-25.
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