Liverpool look likely to make some changes in their defence during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Reds could be in need of finding a new right-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Anfield still hanging in the balance.
With Virgil van Dijk still yet to sign a new deal as well, Liverpool could also need to bring in another central defender.
Finally, given the struggles of Andy Robertson this season, the Reds know they are overdue some fresh blood at left-back.
As he can play either in the centre or on the left of the defence, links to Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato make a great deal of sense.
Hato was at Anfield recently to watch Liverpool beat Ipswich after an invitation from Ryan Gravenberch. And as Liverpool continue to keep an eye on his progress, journalist Graeme Bailey has pointed out something ‘interesting’ about Hato.
Jorrel Hato nails down left-back spot
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will decide to pull the trigger on a new centre-back if Van Dijk does stay at the club.
There is certainly an argument that they don’t necessarily need one, as long as Joe Gomez doesn’t leave either.
But at left-back, there is a clear need to do something. Robertson’s level has dipped, while Kostas Tsimikas is not a long-term starting option.
As a result, Bailey points out that Hato’s seemingly permanent shift to being a left-back for Ajax could be of significance.
“Chelsea and Liverpool are on top of Hato,” the journalist tells Rousing The Kop. “The interesting thing with him is that if you look at every game he’s played this year, he’s played every game at left-back apart from one at wing-back. He hasn’t played centrally.
“There was always a suspicion he might be a centre-half, but I don’t think there is anymore. He’s a fascinating one and he’s very much on Liverpool’s radar.”
How has Hato been doing for Ajax?
After a poor couple of years, Ajax have been far better under Francesco Farioli this season.
The Amsterdam giants find themselves locked in a title race with PSV Eindhoven and currently sit two points behind the Eredivisie leaders with a game in hand.
Hato has been a big part of the turnaround. The 18-year-old has started 17 of their 20 league games, coming off the bench for another appearance, too.
In that time he has four goals and two assists and has also been a regular in a defence which has conceded only 18 times.
Liverpool are watching on with interest at what could be their new left-back.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
