How much Liverpool have to pay to sign Jorrel Hato after identifying Ajax player as Virgil van Dijk heir

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Liverpool are considering their options in the transfer market as they aim to future-proof their defence.

The Reds’ back line has been the strongest in the Premier League by quite some distance this season, conceding only six goal in 11 matches.

As ever, Virgil van Dijk has been a big part of that. The Liverpool captain has not missed a minute of Premier League and Champions League action so far.

However, with Van Dijk turning 34 next summer and still yet to commit to a new contract, the Reds need to start planning for life without the Dutchman, one way or another.

As Rousing The Kop exclusively revealed earlier this week, Jorrel Hato is a top transfer target for Liverpool as they seek a succession plan for Van Dijk.

And as Hato continues to cement his place as a wanted man in European football, the Reds have now learned how much they may have to pay to sign him.

Liverpool learn Jorrel Hato asking price

There appears to remain a good chance that Van Dijk does sign on to stay at Anfield beyond this summer.

But given his age and the possibility that Joe Gomez could push to leave in 2025, Arne Slot needs to start getting his ducks in a row at centre-back.

With that in mind, it’s obvious to see why Hato is so well thought of at Liverpool.

Still only 18, the Ajax man has 84 senior appearances to his name already, including three caps for the Netherlands national team alongside Van Dijk. Former coach Dolf Roks described Hato as an ‘aggressive’ defender who is comfortable getting after the ball.

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These are perhaps some of the reasons why Italian outlet Tutto Juve confirm that Hato has ‘entered the orbit’ at Liverpool.

They suggest that Juventus are also keen on the teenager who has reportedly been ‘set aside’ for a transfer away from Ajax.

However, it’s claimed that Juventus will not be able to afford Hato, with Ajax said to be looking for at least £25m in order to sell their academy defender.

Liverpool can easily afford Jorrel Hato deal

Due to the potential of Hato and the fact that he is already a regular starter for Ajax, it seems a little unlikely that £25m would be enough to get him.

Ajax are no fools in the transfer market and have often been able to secure top prices for some of their star players.

Given the prices players like Mathijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong went for, it would even feel as though doubling this suggested price-tag might not be enough to land Hato.

Nevertheless, if Ajax are looking for anything in and around the £50m figure, then Liverpool should not have a problem reaching it.

With Van Dijk and Hato currently away in the Netherlands camp together, Reds fans would be wise to keep an eye on how they get on against Hungary on Saturday.