Liverpool will fly scouts out to watch ‘top talent’ another three times ahead of potential summer transfer

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After two quiet windows as Liverpool boss, Arne Slot could be in for a busy summer of transfers.

One position in particular Liverpool look set to target is defence, with Andy Robertson’s struggles potentially forcing the Reds into the market.

Ajax’s Jorrel Hato is high on Liverpool’s wishlist, as Arne Slot looks to take advantage of his extensive Eredivisie knowledge.

RTK had revealed back in January that Hato was one to watch for Liverpool this summer after the defender was spotted attending Anfield to watch the Reds take on Ipswich.

Fabrizio Romano has since further added to these claims, revealing that Liverpool are stepping up their efforts to secure the talented 18-year-old.

• READ MORE: Something ‘fascinating’ pointed out about Liverpool’s interest in Ajax defender Jorrel Hato

Liverpool planning more Jorrel Hato scouting missions

Hato, who has been labelled a ‘top talent’ has attracted interest from Europe’s elite ever since making his debut for Ajax at just 16 – with Liverpool keeping a close eye on him in more recent times.

With that being said, transfer guru Romano has stated the Reds will take part in further scouting missions to watch the Dutchman before making a transfer decision on him this summer.

“What I am told is that Liverpool are already planning with their scouting department for at least two or three more missions in the Netherlands to follow Hato to understand what they want to do with the player.

“They have been scouting him for a long time and have followed his progress.

“So Hato is for sure one of the players that is being watched by Liverpool. Let’s see what Liverpool decide to do in the summer,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

Hato models his game off Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk

Hato’s relationship with Ryan Gravenberch has been well documented, but there is actually another Liverpool player who has also had a big impact on the 18-year-old.

Speaking to The Athletic in 2024, Hato actually revealed that he was told to model his game on Virgil van Dijk during the early stages of his career.

“Coaches told me that I always needed to look up to Virgil van Dijk, but when I played in the under-18s, I always looked up to Jurrien Timber.

“I played with him for six months before he left [to join Arsenal], and I learned so much from him. When I came into the first team, he was my mentor. I love his playing style, his calmness on the ball. And he is just a great defender in defending terms.”

If FSG could strike a deal with Ajax for Hato’s services, it sounds like Liverpool may have another Van Dijk on their hands.