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Jorrel Hato has spoken candidly on his future amid interest from Liverpool and other European giants.

The 19-year-old was spotted among the crowd at Anfield during Liverpool’s 4-1 Premier League triumph over Ipswich Town in January 2025.

Images of Hato in the Main Stand immediately sparked speculation among supporters and pundits alike that Liverpool were preparing a winter move for the Netherlands international.

However, it soon emerged that Hato’s trip to Merseyside was facilitated by compatriot and Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, rather than by any formal approach from the club.

With Ajax enjoying a break between their Europa League fixtures, Hato accepted Gravenberch’s invitation as a friend and fan, taking the opportunity to witness first-hand the atmosphere at Anfield and to visit Manchester on the same trip.

However, the ever-reliable Paul Joyce did confirm that the Reds do hold a legitimate interest in the centre-back turned left-back.

Now speaking to Ajax, the 19-year-old has revealed that Ajax is his “home” and that he wants to continue developing at his own pace in what does not come as a boost to Liverpool’s chances of signing him.

“The smartest thing is to look at it per season.

That’s what I do,” the Netherlands international said as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

“Of course you want to achieve things in the end: the Champions League, a World Cup and a European Championship.”

“I still have plenty of time?

I don’t think: ‘I absolutely have to win the Champions League in two years’.”

“In the Dutch league you have to show how good you are against the big clubs.”

“Ultimately, I have to continue to develop the things I am already good at, so that it becomes top,” he added

“How do I describe my time at Ajax.

Ajax is home for me.

I just feel at home here.”

The teenager was indispensable for Ajax last season.

He racked up three goals and seven assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.

His quotes from this week echo a similar stance he took in January, responding to the Liverpool reports:

“I read it all,” Hato said.

“But I also know that not everything was right?

For my development, the best thing is that I stay at Ajax now.”

Ajax’s history of nurturing defenders like Matthijs de Ligt and Jurrien Timber provides a compelling pedigree for Hato’s development.

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