Over the past day or so, Liverpool followers acquired the information they’ve been ready for all season lengthy, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk each edging nearer to extending their contracts at Anfield.
Each gamers have been set to go away Arne Slot’s aspect on the finish of the marketing campaign with their offers set to run out, however the newest information has shed optimistic mild on their futures on Merseyside.
It was reported that each stars are set to increase their stints with the Reds till the summer time of 2027, with tying the pair down arguably the very best enterprise they might do that summer time.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying that Slot will nonetheless wish to delve into the switch market to additional bolster his first-team squad, seeking to construct on the success achieved within the Premier League throughout his debut yr on the helm.
One participant has already emerged on their shortlist forward of the summer time, however they may face big competitors from one other English aspect for his signature.
Liverpool plotting summer time transfer for £40m sensation
In line with journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are firmly within the race to land Ajax’s 19-year-old sensation Jorrel Hato this summer time, providing extra depth at centre-back and left-back. Bailey states that ‘Liverpool like him’, however they will not be alone of their pursuit.
Certainly, Arsenal are additionally stated to be vastly all for touchdown {the teenager}, along with his versatility key to the curiosity from each of the English outfits.
He’s made 44 appearances throughout all competitions, registering 9 mixed targets and assists regardless of his defensive function, constructing on his progress within the Eredivisie after making his debut at simply 16.
The report claims that Hato could possibly be accessible for across the £40m mark this summer time, with Slot eager on securing a transfer for his compatriot given his showings in current months.
Regardless of his tender age, he could be an excellent addition to the Reds first group squad, doubtlessly turning into even higher than one different star ought to he full a transfer to Anfield within the coming months.
Why Hato may change into a much bigger expertise than Van Dijk
Centre-back Van Dijk has been one of many main elements to the success endured at Liverpool this season, being a key determine in Slot’s beginning eleven, beginning each single Premier League outing.
The identical may be stated for his complete spell on Merseyside, making over 300 appearances in his seven years on the membership, cementing himself as top-of-the-line defenders on this planet – as seen by his Ballon d’Or standing a couple of years in the past.
He could also be 33, however stays as a pivotal member of the aspect, along with his contract extension a lift to Slot, the squad and the supporters of their ambitions of constructing on their success in 2024/25.
Such a call received’t scupper a transfer for Hato this summer time, with the Ajax teenager capable of study off his compatriot and doubtlessly change into even higher than the previous Southampton star.
Hato, who’s been labelled “immense” by expertise scout Jacek Kulig, was named within the high ten of the NXGN 2025 wonderkid record, having the potential to blow up in Europe’s high 5 leagues ought to he transfer to the Reds.
Regardless of his tender age, {the teenager} has thrived within the Eredivisie, producing numerous spectacular stats that would enable him to catapult him to a stage above that of Van Dijk.
When evaluating his stats to the Reds’ captain, he’s managed to win extra duels per 90, while additionally being dribbled previous on fewer events – highlighting his defensive qualities.
How Jorrel Hato compares to Virgil van Dijk in 2024/25 | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (per 90) | Hato | Van Dijk |
Video games performed | 25 | 31 |
Objectives & assists | 8 | 2 |
Duels received | 4.7 | 4.6 |
Aerial success charge | 64% | 69% |
Instances dribbled previous | 0.1 | 0.3 |
Tackles received | 1.5 | 0.5 |
Recoveries made | 5.1 | 3.3 |
Stats through FotMob | ||
He’s additionally received extra tackles and registered extra targets and assists, showcasing the risk he possesses at each ends of the pitch – having the chance to enhance additional as he continues his improvement.
With Van Dijk getting into the ultimate years of his skilled profession, it’s essential that the hierarchy plot for his eventual departure regardless of his new contract, with Hato actually the right participant to study off the elite expertise.
While £40m could seem an enormous funding in such a younger star, it could possibly be a discount if lives as much as his potential, setting the aspect up for additional success within the years to return.
Associated
Slot should axe struggling Liverpool star who’s turning into the brand new Sturridge
Arne Slot has some calls to make at Liverpool this summer time, doubtlessly offloading a number of first-team members.
