Hato on Standby as Liverpool Push to Land £50m Centre-Back | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Centre-Back Chase: Huijsen the Priority, Hato the Contingency

Strategic Summer Rebuild Underway

Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph under Arne Slot might suggest a settled squad, but beneath the silverware lies a need for renewal. Slot, who guided the Reds to domestic glory despite minimal transfer activity, now prepares for a pivotal summer reshuffle—one that could reshape Liverpool’s defensive identity for years, suggest reports from Team Talk.

The impending departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid forces urgency. With glaring gaps in multiple positions, especially at right-back and centre-back, the Merseyside club are expected to make several marquee moves.

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Top of the wishlist? Dean Huijsen of Juventus, currently on loan at Bournemouth, who has emerged as Liverpool’s No. 1 centre-back target. As reported by Team Talk, the Spanish-born Dutch international is available via a £50m release clause, potentially simplifying negotiations when the transfer window opens on June 1.

Huijsen Deal Faces Intense Competition

What seems simple in structure is anything but in execution. “The race for Huijsen is boiling down to Liverpool vs Chelsea vs Arsenal. Real Madrid remain keen, though are an outside bet at present.” Despite Liverpool’s early contract offer, guaranteed game time might be a stumbling block.

With Virgil van Dijk a non-negotiable starter and Ibrahima Konaté entrenched as a defensive pillar, Huijsen would likely begin life at Anfield as third-choice. That’s not the case at Chelsea, where a starting berth is more assured—an enticing proposition for a young centre-back wanting minutes.

Should Arsenal or Chelsea edge out Liverpool, the Reds already have a backup plan—Jorrel Hato of Ajax.

Hato Waiting in the Wings

“Jorrel Hato, the talented defender from Ajax,” said transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, “For sure he’s a player on the list of Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League.” At just 19, Hato has already amassed over 100 senior appearances for Ajax and is capped six times by the Netherlands. His versatility—comfortably playing at both centre-back and left-back—makes him a valuable tactical asset.

Liverpool see Hato as a centre-back option, ensuring that his arrival would not interfere with their separate pursuit of Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez. A reported €45m–€50m could be enough to bring the Dutch prodigy to Anfield.

“Both clubs are monitoring the player, for sure he’s in the lists. Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and more are all waiting for Dean Huijsen to make his choice,” added Romano. Real Madrid have also sent scouts to track Hato multiple times this season.

Navigating Selection Dynamics

One key factor working against Liverpool is the selection hierarchy. Huijsen would be fighting two established starters, while Chelsea’s comparatively thin defensive core offers quicker integration. “These three clubs are strong in the race for Huijsen so they are waiting for the player to make a decision.”

As Romano stated, “But Jorrel Hato is also in the list at Chelsea and at Liverpool as a potential name in case they can’t get Huijsen.”

Liverpool’s transfer plans are precise—targeted additions at right-back, centre-back, left-back, striker and potentially central midfield and left wing depending on the contract talks with Luis Díaz.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is the Liverpool fans’ sweet spot: title winners but hungry for more, and watching the recruitment team line up generational talents for a new era. The focus on Dean Huijsen makes complete sense. At just 19, he’s shown strength, calmness under pressure, and an aerial presence that could seamlessly blend with Van Dijk’s leadership. But the worry is whether Liverpool can truly offer him a spot that reflects his talent and ambition.

If Chelsea are willing to throw Huijsen straight into their XI, that’s a risk for the Reds. What message does it send if a player chooses minutes over medals? Still, there’s reason for hope. The fact that Liverpool have already made a contract offer shows intent and urgency. And if it falls through, Jorrel Hato is hardly a consolation prize—he’s a powerhouse in the making.

The blend of Hato’s flexibility and pedigree with Liverpool’s dynamic style is mouth-watering. Add in the potential acquisition of Kerkez and it signals serious backing for Slot, who clearly understands this squad’s weak points. The summer won’t just be about who Liverpool sign—it’ll be about how boldly they move to stay on top.