Liverpool have already been in contact with Ajax about Jorrel Hato this winter. The bosses at Anfield still have the Dutch left-back on their lists, but will wait until next week to make detailed plans for this summer’s transfer market.
Chelsea, who are one of two English teams qualified for this summer’s Club World Cup, are not waiting for anyone and are in full swing.
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When Jorrel Hato rose through the ranks at Ajax, Erik ten Hag was the one everyone looked up to. But before the now 19-year-old left-back had the opportunity to play for the first team, “his idol” was already in place at Old Trafford.
Last summer, Manchester United were in contact with Ajax about Jorrel Hato, who had just helped turn around what was a crisis season for the Dutch giants. He chose to stay rather than be part of another tiring turnaround in Manchester, he is happy about that now, even though the Premier League is still tempting.
CaughtOffside that Chelsea are currently leading the hunt for Hato. But it is expected that Liverpool could get into the bidding round, although they are now primarily focusing on signing Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez.
Hato is a player who can operate as both a left-back and a centre-back, making him an attractive option for both clubs. Liverpool were also interested in Dean Huijsen before he signed for Real Madrid, so it is possible that they could consider both Kerkez and Hato.
Chelsea are big admirers of Hato as they are already in concrete talks with Ajax about a deal worth around 55 million euros. – They are dependent on it happening quickly, not only because of the Club World Cup that starts in less than a month, but also because of Erik ten Hag who is relevant for a return to the Johan Cruijff Arena. The bankrupt Manchester United manager will put a stop to the sale if he can.
The talented Dutchman has also been closely followed by Arsenal, but their interest has waned due to the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly. At the moment, Chelsea seem to have the best chances, but no deal has been signed yet, and more top clubs could come into the picture soon.
Hato, who is only 19 years old, has a big future ahead of him, but is Chelsea the right one?
- Chelsea have invested heavily in young talent, but it has not yet yielded the desired results.
- A lack of stability at Stamford Bridge, with frequent changes of manager and upheaval, can be a risk.
- Liverpool may be a more attractive option, but as of now, Chelsea seem more likely.
One distribution is that Hato is likely to get more game time at Chelsea than at Liverpool, as Enzo Maresca needs reinforcements in defence, while Arne Slot already has good options in that position.
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Will it be blue or red for Hato? 🔵🔴
