Rumors of Liverpool signing Jorrel Hato from Ajax have been fueled after claims the defender was spotted at Anfield during Saturday's win over Ipswich Town.
The 18-year-old central defender has many admirers across Europe after making his early breakthrough at Ajax. And Hato's extensive list of candidates also includes Liverpool, who could be looking for a new central defender this summer.
There has been a lot of speculation about the future of captain Virgil van Dijk, now that the Dutchman is out of contract at the end of the season. And Hato, given his age and profile, might be the perfect long-term successor.
It was suggested last weekend that Hato secured the 4-1 win over Ipswich Town while Ajax were not playing, but that has not been confirmed.
But regardless of whether or not Hato was at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, the links that put the young defender on Liverpool's radar are nothing new.
After his promotion from the academy, Hato already has more than ninety games to his name for the Ajax senior team. He can also play as a left back and is said to have already been the subject of inquiries from Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Any Hato move would likely happen in the summer, when Liverpool have enough centre-backs. But long-term succession planning would be a smart move.
While much has been made of Van Dijk's contract situation, his defensive partner, Ibrahima Konate, has now entered the final eighteen months of his contract.
Van Dijk admitted after the Ipswich match that he is still none the wiser about whether he will still play at Anfield next season. He told reporters: “There will come a day when I think about everything that happened to me at Liverpool.” . Then I think carefully about what stands out. Hopefully there are more 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.”
Van Dijk's comments are similar to those of Mohamed Salah, who, like defender and teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, will also be a free agent this summer.
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