If Liverpool are able to sign Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato, Jordan Henderson may not quite know how to feel.
Hato, 18, has been one of the breakout players in Europe this year, establishing himself as a regular for the Eredivisie Giants despite his youth. It hasn't taken long for the defender, who has been deployed at left back and center half this season, to become one of the most sought-after teenagers in world football.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has enjoyed a strong start to the club's life, but his only signing to arrive at Anfield last summer was Federico Chiesa. Reports claim that Hato was present to watch the Reds' 4-1 home win over the city of Ipswich on Saturday.
They have been tipped to accelerate their interest and seal a move for the young prospect this month, with a fee of €30m (£25m) believed to be enough to offload him. With Liverpool continuing to be linked with him, former Reds skipper and current Ajax midfielder Henderson has already offered his glowing thoughts on the teenager.
Henderson recently told their club website: “It's crazy how young he is but how mature he looks when he's on the pitch and off the pitch too. He's a very mature person, hard working, fantastic player. And yes , he has a Quiet future ahead of him, I'm sure.
“I think he should just keep doing what he has been doing. Obviously it has worked for him. I will try to help him and also the players if they ask for a little advice from the field. If I can Help them, I'm sure I'll try, of course.”
It has been widely suggested that the teenager could be a long-term replacement for compatriot Virgil van Dijk, who is in talks over a new contract on Merseyside but will need back-up in the not-too-distant future regardless considering he does this 34 runs 34 summer.
Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold all have deals ending on June 30, 2025. After the win over Ipswich, the Dutch defender admitted he is still unsure of what the future holds for him at Anfield.
He told reporters: “One day there will be a day when I think about everything that happened to me at Liverpool. Then I will think carefully about what stands out. Hopefully there are still good things to come.
“I have no idea [how many more appearances I’ll make]. How many are left this season? Hopefully they are guaranteed and then I don't know what the future will bring. “
Hato has also been linked with moves to Chelsea and Real Madrid, who have been impressed by his versatility and experience. He has already amassed more than 90 appearances for Ajax, at an age when most players are still learning their trade in the Academy team.
The defender has been at Ajax since 2018, when he joined their Academy ranks from the Sparta Rotterdam Youth Set-up at the age of 12. His departure would undoubtedly bring mixed emotions for Henderson, whose current club's loss means the gain of his former club would be .
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