A new name has been linked with a potential move to St James’ Park today via one of the North East press pack.
Since the turn of the year we’ve seen a number of defenders linked, with a renewed bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi talked up, interest shown in Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen and Bournemouth teammate Illya Zabarnyi.
However, the latest link suggests a highly-rated Dutchman is also on Newcastle’s radar, bringing another option into the mix heading into transfer season.
It looks like Newcastle United have joined the growing list of clubs eyeing Ajax’s Jorrel Hato.
In his latest piece for the i today, Mark Douglas reveals that the versatile 19-year-old is one to ‘watch out for’, reporting that Newcastle are ‘among the pack’ of Premier League clubs showing interest.
Despite only turning 19 in March, the Netherlands talent has six caps for his country and has played 50 times for Ajax across the 2024/25 season, operating at left-back, centre-back and even as a left-sided midfielder on one occasion.
On our emerging interest, Douglas wrote: ‘Watch out for Jorrel Hato, Ajax’s in-demand 19-year-old. He is coveted by a few Premier League clubs and Newcastle are among that pack.
‘It wouldn’t surprise me if, after spending big money on a centre-back, Newcastle did look for a “project” player who can play across the backline towards the end of the summer.
‘Given his reputation for sourcing potential, that is where director of football Paul Mitchell’s abilities should really come to the fore.’
As Mark Douglas states, Newcastle could spend big on a right-sided centre-back but also pursue a young versatile option later in the window.
Hato certainly fits that bill and may even be considered a potential replacement for Lloyd Kelly, who has now joined Juventus permanently but it in a similar mould as a left-sided defender able to play at full-back or down the middle.
The issue is, Paul Mitchell’s ‘project’ signings are likely to be low-cost gems, not established talents like Hato who would easily cost north of £30m.