Man United and Liverpool in race for Dutch prodigy | OneFootball

Liverpool and Man Utd Eye Ajax Midfield Sensation Jorthy Mokio

Liverpool and Manchester United are keeping a close watch on one of Europe’s brightest young talents, 17-year-old Belgian Jorthy Mokio, according to sources at TeamTalk. The Ajax midfielder, already drawing comparisons to Declan Rice and N’Golo Kante, has become a name generating serious buzz across the Premier League and beyond.

Mokio’s meteoric rise has caught the eye of several top clubs, with Liverpool, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham all monitoring his development. His versatility is striking for someone so young, having impressed as a defensive midfielder, centre-back, and even as a left-back.

TeamTalk reports, “Sources have told TEAMtalk that Mokio’s robust style is ‘built for the Premier League’.” Such a description underlines why clubs with high-intensity playing styles are so interested in the teenager. Mokio’s physicality, combined with his tactical intelligence, positions him as a potential cornerstone for any midfield.

Picture:IMAGO

Versatility and Technical Prowess

Born on February 29, 2008, in Ghent, Mokio joined Ajax in the summer of 2024, signing a contract until June 2027. The move was notable as he reportedly rejected offers from Barcelona and Bayern Munich to join a club renowned for developing youth. Standing at six feet tall, with a cultured left foot, he has already made 21 appearances for Ajax’s first team, scoring twice.

This season, Mokio has one start and two substitute appearances in the Eredivisie, totalling 61 minutes, but the glimpses of quality in those minutes have been enough to intensify interest from Europe’s top clubs. Scouts praise his ability to combine forward-driving dynamism with exceptional positioning, describing him as “a hybrid of Declan Rice and N’Golo Kante.” They add that his ball-playing ability and maturity “belie his age,” marking him as a “phenomenal prospect.”

Premier League and European Interest

Chelsea have reportedly profiled Mokio heavily, seeing him as a potential midfield anchor for the future. TeamTalk notes that Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham are also keeping tabs on him, highlighting how his physicality and intelligence make him suitable for multiple systems. LaLiga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are watching too, but Ajax’s proven record of nurturing talents may provide Mokio with the ideal environment to develop further.

Mokio’s journey began at KFC Merelbeke before moving to KAA Gent’s academy in 2021. There, his technical skill and tactical awareness quickly marked him as a generational talent. Scouts reportedly rate him a perfect 10/10 for potential. His combination of physicality, technique, and intelligence is exactly what modern, possession-based systems demand.

Transfer Prospects and Future Potential

At only 17, Mokio is already attracting serious attention, with a potential transfer by summer 2026 being widely discussed. His ability to dominate defensive transitions, win duels, and progress the ball makes him a highly sought-after asset. As clubs jostle for his signature, his adaptability and maturity will be crucial in determining where he ends up next.

TeamTalk highlights, “This season is pivotal: consistent performances could solidify his elite status and spark a transfer frenzy.” For any club aiming to reshape their midfield, Mokio offers both versatility and potential to become a long-term anchor.

Picture:IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, Mokio represents an intriguing prospect, especially under Arne Slot, who is known for integrating dynamic, versatile players into his system. Following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in July 2025, the squad has faced both emotional and tactical challenges. Securing a talent like Mokio could provide a fresh boost to Liverpool’s midfield depth while offering long-term potential.

Mokio’s combination of defensive solidity, ball progression, and tactical intelligence aligns well with Liverpool’s high-pressing, possession-oriented approach. While 17 is young, Liverpool have a strong record of developing youth players into first-team contributors, making the club a realistic destination for the Belgian. His adaptability across multiple positions also gives Arne Slot flexibility, whether deploying him as a holding midfielder, left-back, or even a central defensive option.

In the broader context, Liverpool faces competition from Manchester United, Chelsea, and other Premier League sides, but the appeal of playing under a manager who prioritises youth development could be decisive. If Liverpool were able to secure Mokio’s signature, it could signal a clear strategy to rebuild the squad with young, versatile players capable of becoming long-term cornerstones. For fans, this is a tantalising prospect – a glimpse of a player who could shape the team’s future while fitting seamlessly into the evolving tactical setup.