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The links between Liverpool and Jorrel Hato and Liverpool are only growing stronger as the transfer window wears on.

Last week, the reliable Duncan Castles reported that Liverpool have initiated direct discussions with the 19-year-old Ajax defender.

He claims that Ajax is fully aware of the Reds’ interest but are prepared to demand a premium fee for their rising star.

Interest in Hato is far from unilateral.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also “seriously interested” in securing the versatile centre-back, who has also thrived as a left-back.

Fabrizio Romano has also previously confirmed that Hato features on Liverpool’s shortlist alongside Chelsea as both clubs looks to reinforce both its central and left-back options this summer.

Hato’s visit to Anfield in January – initially touted as a precursor to formal transfer talks – was actually just a friendly invitation from compatriot Ryan Gravenberch.

But it’s clear that the initial thought of it being transfer-related was not as far fetched as it seemed at the time.

Should Liverpool press ahead with a bid, they will need to navigate Ajax’s valuation, which is expected to be substantial given the player’s age, contract status, and rapid rise at both club and international level.

And it seems Ajax are well aware that Hato could be out the exit door this summer.

Voetbal International reporter Tim van Duijn has reported that the Dutch giants are expediting plans to replace Hato – as they know he will likely be snapped up this summer.

Van Duijn writes on X:

“Ajax has Roman Vega on their list as a replacement for Jorrel Hato, but they’re not moving forward yet?

John Heitinga hopes to get Owen Wijndal back on track.”

“The mentioned price for Vega was 5 million euros at the time, but it has already risen considerably since then.”

“For Ajax, that would be too much anyway, also because they still have four left-backs under contract.”

Hato featured in 31 Eredivisie matches this season, contributing two goals and six assists, while helping Ajax keep 13 clean sheets.

He averaged over two tackles and two clearances per 90 minutes, ranking him among Europe’s top defensive prospects.

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