Ajax’s Young Prodigy Jorrel Hato Commits Amidst Liverpool Interest
Ajax supporters have every reason to celebrate as their young defensive sensation, Jorrel Hato, seems set to extend his stay at the Amsterdam club. Despite whispers linking the 17-year-old with a move to Premier League giants Liverpool, Hato appears to be putting pen to paper with his current club.
Hato’s Loyalty to Ajax
Jorrel Hato’s commitment to Ajax is evident. Even though his current contract only extends until June 2025, and despite the club’s challenging phase, the youngster sees no allure in departing just yet. In a candid chat with Algemeen Dagblad, Hato expressed, “I don’t concern myself with it. It’s going to happen anyway. I don’t care when, but I see my future here. The current situation of the club does not change that.”
A Rising Star in Amsterdam
Since joining Ajax’s youth academy in the summer of 2018 from Sparta Rotterdam, Hato’s trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. March 2022 marked a significant milestone for him as he inked his first professional contract with Ajax, a commitment that extends until June 30, 2025.
His talent is undeniable. Only Ajax legends Ryan Gravenberch and Clarence Seedorf were younger than Hato when they debuted for the first team. Hato’s first taste of senior football came against SC Cambuur on February 5, stepping in for Owen Wijndal. Impressively, he was just 16 years, 10 months, and 29 days old.
Starting the previous season with the youth squad, Hato swiftly moved through the ranks. From playing in the UEFA Youth League to earning minutes with Jong Ajax and finally making his debut for the senior team in the KNVB Beker, his rise has been rapid. Before turning 18 next March, Hato has already made 15 appearances for Ajax’s senior team, averaging 51 minutes each game. This season, under Maurice Steijn’s guidance, he’s been an ever-present figure.
Hato’s Market Value
The FootballTransfers algorithm estimates Hato’s Expected Transfer Value (xTV) to be a substantial €5.7 million, a testament to his burgeoning talent and potential.
