Liverpool are lining up a move for Jorrel Hato to sign from Ajax this summer as Arne Slot wants to increase competition for Andy Robertson.
Milos Kerkez is currently the favourite to sign for the Anfield club from Bournemouth, but Florian Plettenberg of SkySport reports that Hato is seen as his alternative.
The Reds are currently in contact with Bournemouth to discuss a transfer for Kerkez, which is not expected to prove a huge obstacle, although the deal could still be derailed because there are several other Premier League sides chasing the player.
He has played 39 times this season, which is his second with the south coast side after a 2023 move from AZ. He cost Andoni Iraola’s side around €18 million – a figure that will be multiplied by at least three when he is sold.
If Liverpool and Bournemouth fail to reach an agreement, Arne Slot’s club will immediately switch to Hato.
Hato is Liverpool’s ‘Plan B’ to Kerkez
According to Plettenberg, the Ajax defender is considered the ideal alternative for Liverpool.
Hato’s future has been in the air at Ajax for some time. The club’s financial position made it seemingly inevitable that he would leave in the summer, but with Champions League football secured for next season, this is not such a concern.
He has been one of the rare bright spots during two lean years at the Johan Cruijff ArenA and this season he has enjoyed another strong campaign.
With interest building in the young defender, Ajax are unlikely to stand in the way of his departure, despite a contract that expires in mid-2028. He has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €46.3m, which Liverpool would likely have to meet to get this deal over the line.
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