Who Is Jorrel Hato - Liverpool's New Transfer Target

Liverpool are reportedly looking to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window, with Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato among the names on their list. The Reds could do with replacing the aging Andrew Robertson sooner rather than later.

Hato isn't necessarily the club's main target right now but is a player that Arne Slot will be looking to add to his squad over the summer. The 19-year-old has impressed at Ajax and was recently seen at Anfield, but reports suggest it was his friend Ryan Gravenberch who invited him, rather than any transfer talks taking place.

🚨 Liverpool have sent scouts to watch 19-year old Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who has already been capped five times by Netherlands.

(Source: @MailSport) pic.twitter.com/t7RPJzPdtw

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 13, 2025

Hato's Career So Far

The young Dutchman joined Ajax's youth team in 2018 from Sparta Rotterdam on a free transfer when he was just twelve years old. Hato went on to make 50 appearances for the youth teams before making his first-team debut in January 2023, coming off the bench in the KNVB Cup against Den Bosch in a 2-0 win. Since then, Hato has gone on to make 66 appearances in the Eredivisie, contributing three goals and eight assists from left-back. The full-back has also impressed enough to earn a call-up to the Dutch national team, making five appearances since his debut in November 2023.

What Does Hato Offer?

Jorrel Hato is a left-footed player who is predominantly used at left-back but has also slotted in at left center-back. At just 19 years old, he already has a good level of experience, having played just under 1,000 minutes across all competitions this season for Ajax, including European football in the Europa League. Hato is very comfortable on the ball, as he's used to receiving and distributing it in a side that dominates possession. On the ball, Hato is brave and adventurous—he breaks through the lines not only with his passing but also by carrying the ball. The Dutchman is comfortable receiving the ball deep and often finds himself in advanced areas of the pitch, contributing to attacking play as it develops.

🔴⚪️ Jorrel Hato (19) is the youngest EVER player to reach 100 games for Ajax. 💎🇳🇱

The defender has a bright future! 📈 pic.twitter.com/5GJQFFgbTC

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 10, 2025

How Does Hato Fit In At Liverpool?

As mentioned earlier, Andy Robertson is now 31 years old, and the Reds don't have an immediate successor for the position. Kostas Tsimikas, who is 28, has only featured 14 times this season under Slot, which suggests he probably isn't the candidate to take over from Robertson. With Hato also being able to play as a left-sided center-back, he gives the manager more options for cover, especially as Virgil van Dijk's future remains uncertain, with the captain's contract expiring in the summer.

In terms of fitting in with Liverpool’s style of play, Hato is already accustomed to playing in a side that dominates possession and likes to be on the front foot. He has shown that he's comfortable both attacking and defending. Having time to adapt to English football as an understudy to Robertson could help settle the young star in, while also having a Dutch manager in Slot at the club along with fellow countrymen Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and potentially still Virgil van Dijk if he stays, would certainly help.

Cody Gakpo had a wonderful season for PSV and Liverpool

PSV: 13 goals, 17 assists
Liverpool: 7 goals 3 assists

In 50 games this season, that is 20 goals and 20 assists. pic.twitter.com/93BKX4x48V

— Dutch Football 🇳🇱 (@FootballOranje_) May 28, 2023

Liverpool May Need To Act Quickly

As with many top talents, there are multiple clubs interested in Hato. Real Madrid and Arsenal have reportedly been monitoring the defender. Arsenal, in particular, are in need of backup in the position, with the likes of Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jakub Kiwior all playing minimal minutes for the Gunners this season.

With the caliber of clubs interested in signing the promising talent, it seems only a matter of time before we see Hato playing in one of Europe's top five leagues.