Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch has been spotted with Jorrel Hato, a reported Reds transfer target. The Ajax defender is reportedly being eyed for a summer move following an impressive season in the Eredivisie.
Gravenberch is currently taking a break after Liverpool were officially crowned Premier League champions last Sunday. Meanwhile, Hato is preparing with Holland's under-21s for their European Championships campaign starting on June 11.
Liverpool is among several clubs said to be interested in the Ajax youngster who has quickly become one of the most sought-after prospects.
Despite only turning 20 in March, Hato has already made over a hundred appearances for Ajax and earned six caps for the Dutch national team.
As they prepare for their respective national team duties, the pair were seen together. Earlier this season, Hato visited Anfield at Gravenberch's invitation, amidst speculation about his future in the Eredivisie and potential links to Liverpool.
The Ajax defender was seen at the Premier League match against Ipswich Town in January. Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf reported that he was simply visiting his friend Gravenberch, having been invited by the Liverpool player.
Reports suggest that Liverpool, alongside Real Madrid, is keeping a keen eye on Hato's development. The Dutch defender took advantage of the Eredivisie winter break to visit England during the January transfer window.
Ryan Gravenberch.
Ryan Gravenberch. (Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
At the time, it was reported that Ajax were adamant about retaining their player, who is tied down until 2028.
"I read it all," Hato commented on the swirling transfer speculation. "But I also know that not everything was right.
"For my development it's best that I stay at Ajax now. I was invited by Ryan Gravenberch. But I didn't speak to a director there.
"Liverpool played well and the atmosphere in the stadium was good, but there is no more to say."
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Liverpool has already added another Dutch player to its ranks this summer in the form of Jeremie Frimpong, who will link up with international teammates Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo meanwhile has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich this summer and Dutch icon Mark van Bommel has sent a transfer message to his former club.
"Cody is doing very well for Liverpool and also for our national team," Van Bommel expressed to Sport Bild.
"He's a very fast winger who performs brilliantly on his own. What's special is that he's also a very good finisher. He's a real goal threat!
"In addition to his footballing qualities, Gakpo is Dutch - and Dutch players have always been good at Bayern. But I'm not on Bayern's scouting team.."