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Liverpool’s summer plans have hit turbulence on two fronts, with Chelsea surging ahead in the race for standout Ajax defender Jorrel Hato and Bayern Munich intensifying their pursuit of winger Luis Díaz.

Despite long-standing interest in Hato, the Reds now look set to miss out as Chelsea have opened formal talks and reportedly agreed personal terms with the 19-year-old Dutch star, leaving Liverpool trailing amid the transfer battle.

At the same time, Bayern’s latest bid for Díaz is expected to approach €80 million, testing Liverpool’s resolve amid uncertainty over the Colombian’s future and a potential lack of movement on a new contract.



Jorrel Hato (Ajax)

Chelsea have surged into the lead to secure Dutch wonderkid Jorrel Hato from Ajax after months of speculation linking him to Premier League giants including Liverpool and Arsenal.

On Wednesday, the Blues made official club?to?club contact with Ajax, signalling a significant step forward in negotiations.

"Yes, the club has contacted Ajax," his agent Humphry Nijman confirmed when asked by De Telegraaf

"The only thing I can say now is that Jorrel is now in talks with Chelsea."

The transfer is now top priority for Chelsea, with personal terms reportedly already agreed in principle, and a fee around £50 million ($68M) likely to be sufficient to get the deal done despite Ajax’s initial valuation closer to £60M ($81.5M).

Reports confirm Chelsea view Hato as a long-term replacement or backup for left-back Marc Cucurella, amidst uncertainties around Renato Veiga and Ben Chilwell departures

Chelsea have been preparing to reshape their defensive unit, with Veiga poised to join Atlético Madrid for around £35M ($47.5M) and Chilwell expected to move on.

Hato has already made 111 senior appearances for Ajax, scoring goals and showing versatility as both centre-back and left-back.

He was crowned Eredivisie Talent of the Year for 2024?25 and has been capped six times by the Netherlands national team.

Despite interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and others, Hato recently downplayed any rush to leave Ajax, stating: “Ajax is home for me… I still have plenty of time.” But now, with negotiations underway and personal terms nearly sorted, it appears Chelsea will secure a deal, with a formal offer expected imminently.



Luis Diaz (Liverpool)

Liverpool continues to reject Bayern Munich’s initial bids for winger Luis Díaz, dismissing offers of around €67.5 million (£58.5M, $79.5M) and reiterating that the player is “not for sale” at current valuations, according to The Athletic.

Díaz, 28, is reported to have expressed a desire to leave and has asked Liverpool to accept an improved offer unless they deliver on a previously discussed contract extension.

Bayern are now preparing a new approach, reportedly ready to submit a €80 million (circa £70M, $94.2M) offer, aligning more closely with Liverpool’s valuation and potentially enough to trigger serious discussions, according to talkSport.

The Athletic’s James Pearce has confirmed that Liverpool have yet to receive any improved offer, and Díaz has trained normally during the Hong Kong tour, with no signs of discord or recent injury issues

It remains clear that the club is weighing the sale stringently — only a bid matching their €100 million ($117.8M) valuation and supported by concrete interest in a suitable replacement may change their stance.

Until such developments emerge, Liverpool remain firm: Díaz remains valued, Bayern’s interest continues, and replacements are being lined up — but no resolution is yet imminent.


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