Report: Journalist claims Liverpool still in race despite Arsenal confidence | OneFootball

Hato’s Premier League ambition remains wide open

Ajax’s Jorrel Hato may be one of the most admired young defenders in European football, but the 19-year-old is keeping his options open as Premier League interest intensifies. According to TeamTalk, despite Arsenal being seen as the “near perfect destination” in the player’s eyes, Liverpool remain firmly in contention to sign the Dutch talent.

Hato’s stock has risen rapidly since breaking into the Ajax first team, and his versatility and maturity on the pitch have caught the attention of top English clubs. He made 46 appearances across all competitions in the 2023–24 season and was even handed the captain’s armband on occasion.

With Arsenal and Chelsea both holding talks, and Liverpool’s interest dating back to April, this race is far from concluded. As reported, “Hato’s camp are keen to keep the race for the defender open and have insisted to Chelsea and Liverpool that nothing is decided — he is still more than open to playing for any of the clubs mentioned.”

This openness, combined with Ajax’s €50 million (£42.6 million) valuation, creates a highly competitive and financially demanding transfer scenario.

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Slot sees Hato as more than just a left-back

Liverpool’s pursuit of Hato may appear complicated by the impending arrival of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, with the Hungarian expected to take up the first-choice left-back role under new boss Arne Slot. But that does not shut the door on Hato’s involvement at Anfield.

As TeamTalk note, “Hato played mainly as a left-back for Ajax last season, but in the 2023–24 campaign, the teenager was deployed as a centre-back in 36 matches.” This versatility is significant for Slot, who is expected to look towards youth and adaptability during the squad’s next phase of evolution.

While Arsenal’s interest focuses on replacing Jakub Kiwior or Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, Liverpool are instead considering Hato as a long-term central defensive successor to Virgil van Dijk, who, despite signing a new deal, is now 33 years old. Moreover, with uncertainty around Ibrahima Konaté’s future and Real Madrid’s monitoring of the Frenchman, Hato could represent both cover and a long-term solution.

The likelihood of Hato walking into a Premier League starting XI from day one is low, regardless of his destination. Yet Liverpool may provide the perfect development curve. The report explains, “Hato could join Liverpool this summer, get used to playing in the Premier League and under Slot as a substitute and back-up centre-back next season before stepping up to become a starter in 2026–27.”

This patient, well-planned integration mirrors how Liverpool have nurtured other talents in recent seasons, and it could appeal to both the player and his representatives. At a club like Arsenal, where defensive options are already stretched across European and domestic competitions, Hato might be thrown in earlier than anticipated.

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Career pedigree and playing style mark Hato as elite

Born in Rotterdam and developed through the Ajax system, Hato has always been earmarked for the top. He joined Ajax in 2018 and captained their youth side in the UEFA Youth League before making his senior debut. Notably, he finished the season as a starter in the KNVB Cup final and was the third youngest player ever to debut in the Eredivisie for Ajax.

“Good in possession, Hato is technically intelligent and is an ideal modern defender,” as noted in the report. His left-footed balance, calmness under pressure and ability to operate across a back four make him particularly appealing to tactical managers like Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot.

As it stands, the outcome of this transfer saga will likely come down to assurances over game time, development trajectory and long-term vision, as much as immediate wages or Champions League football.

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From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this feels like a transfer made with intelligence and long-term vision. While Milos Kerkez’s arrival appears to fill the left-back need, bringing in Jorrel Hato would be more about shaping the club’s next defensive spine. With van Dijk in his twilight years and Konaté’s future far from secure, grooming Hato under Arne Slot’s guidance seems both sensible and forward-thinking.

However, there’s a growing sense that Arsenal might hold a psychological edge. They have tracked Hato since he was 15 and, as stated, “Hato believes Arsenal to be the near perfect destination for this next step.” If he’s promised early minutes and a defined tactical role by Mikel Arteta, the pull could prove too strong.

For Liverpool, the challenge is presenting a project convincing enough to persuade Hato that short-term patience will yield long-term prominence. Slot’s Eredivisie background and focus on structured development might resonate with the player and his camp.

But with Chelsea lurking and Ajax unwilling to lower their £42.6 million price tag, this will not be a transfer dictated solely by footballing fit. It will come down to who can align vision, timing and trust most effectively. And right now, that race remains wide open.