Liverpool are attempting to bolster their defence this summer after four years of no signings at centre-back.
The Reds’ last addition in the middle of the back line was Ibrahima Konate, who joined in 2021.
Jarell Quansah has been promoted from the Liverpool academy in the meantime, but it’s safe to say that a refresh is long overdue at Anfield.
There are growing concerns over Konate’s Liverpool future as the Frenchman prepares to enter the final year of his contract with the Reds.
However, Rousing The Kop understands Liverpool are planning ahead with Konate and any new signing will be in addition to the No. 5, rather than instead of him.
Dean Huijsen is said to be Liverpool’s top target, with the Bournemouth youngster available for £50m this summer. But according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are formulating a back-up plan in case they can’t get Huijsen over the line.
Liverpool eye Jorrel Hato back-up plan
The race to sign Huijsen is set to be one of the stories of the transfer window. The 20-year-old has plenty of clubs trying to secure his signature.
Liverpool are seemingly one of them, as they look to capitalise on the release clause Bournemouth installed in his contract last year.
But according to Romano, the Reds and Chelsea are both keeping tabs on Ajax defender Jorrel Hato as a concrete alternative.
“For sure he’s a player on the lists of Chelsea and Liverpool,” the reporter says on Hato. “Both clubs are monitoring the player and for sure he’s on the lists.”
“All of these clubs, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and more are all waiting for Dean Huijsen to make his choice.
“All three are strong in the race for Huijsen but Jorrel Hato is also on the list at Chelsea and at Liverpool as a potential name in case they can’t get Dean Huijsen.”
Hato ticks two boxes for Liverpool
Hato and Huijsen are two of the best young defenders in world football. It is no surprise that both Liverpool and Chelsea are keen.
“It’s crazy how young he is,” former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has previously said of Hato. “He’s a very mature person, works hard, fantastic player, and yeah, he has a bright future ahead of him, I’m sure.”
Interestingly, the 19-year-old has played a lot of football at left-back for Ajax this season. With Liverpool also looking to strengthen in that area, moving to sign a player who can play on the left and also in the middle would make a lot of sense.
Milos Kerkez is the favourite to arrive, but if Liverpool could also secure Hato, they would have two options who could nail down the position for the long-term future, as well as a new centre-back.
Romano also confirms interest in Hato from Real Madrid, though, so a deal to sign him is not going to be straightforward.
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