Liverpool push Arsenal into panic mode by making move to sign £42million-rated star

Liverpool push Arsenal into panic mode by making move to sign £42million-rated star - Reports

Modified Apr 15, 2025 08:27 GMT

Liverpool and Arsenal in race to sign Hato from Ajax in the coming months. [Both images from Getty]

According to a report by TEAMtalk, via Rousing The Kop, Liverpool have launched a fresh approach to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato ahead of Arsenal. This comes amidst both teams' tussle to secure the services of the Dutchman in the forthcoming summer transfer window.

Hato began his career at the youth academy of Sparta Rotterdam before moving the Ajax in 2018. The 19-year-old has already made 106 appearances for Ajax as well as representing the Dutch national team six times.

Hato can be described as a pacey defender with excellent ball-winning proficiency. He also has the ability to register clean tackles and win ground duels. Hence, Hato could be an excellent long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson, whose contract at Anfield expires in June 2026.

Liverpool's interest in signing Hato could be tied to his flexibility to operate in multiple defensive areas on the pitch. While he features prominently as a left-back, the teenager can also play in the center and on the right. Thus, if the Reds decide to make some structural defensive adjustments in the summer, Hato could also fit in at centre-back.

CaughtOffside had earlier reported that Ajax would be willing to listen to offers of around £42 million (€50m) for Hato. In 45 appearances across competitions for Ajax this season, the Dutchman has scored thrice and provided six assists.

How has Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson performed amid Jorrel Hato rumors?

Fulham FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League - Source: Getty

While the 2024-25 Premier League season has been tremendous for the Reds, Andrew Robertson has struggled at left-back. The Scotland international has likewise failed to contribute adequately in attack as in previous seasons.

The 31-year-old is also gearing towards the final year of his contract at Anfield, which comes to an end in June 2026. This could be why the Reds hierarchy are looking to sign his replacement in the forthcoming window.

In 42 games across competitions this season, Robertson has failed to score and has provided only one assist. Thus, Arne Slot could be interested in making some defensive adjustments by signing Jorrel Hato from Ajax. At age 19, Hato could also profit from Robertson's experience if he joins the Reds in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are heavy favorites to lift the Premier League title for the first time since 2020, leading second-placed Arsenal by 13 points with six games to go.

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Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.

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Edited by Nihal