Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy: Van Dijk Pushes for Ajax’s Jorrel Hato

Virgil van Dijk’s recent comments, urging Liverpool to prioritise Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato, have intensified speculation around the club’s defensive reinforcements for 2025. As reported by Rousing The Kop, both Van Dijk and manager Arne Slot are championing Hato’s potential, advocating for Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, to make the young Ajax defender a key target.

Hato’s Appeal as a Long-Term Solution

With Van Dijk’s current contract set to expire in 2025, Liverpool are actively seeking defensive talent to future-proof their squad. The Dutch captain, now 34, has reportedly endorsed Hato as a successor, valuing his impressive versatility and composure on the ball. The 18-year-old has already accumulated 81 first-team appearances for Ajax, showcasing his ability to operate both as a left-back and a centre-half.

“Hato is special,” sources close to the club suggest. “He’s someone who can adapt to the Premier League pace and style, which is crucial for Liverpool’s ambitions.”

Slot’s Familiarity with Hato a Key Factor

Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who closely monitored the Eredivisie before joining the Reds, has reportedly been impressed by Hato’s performances. With 20 appearances this season, yielding three goals and four assists, the Dutch youth international demonstrates a balance of defensive solidity and offensive support—qualities Slot values in Liverpool’s evolving tactical setup.

Investment in Youthful Potential

For Liverpool, Hato represents not only a talented option but a strategic investment in youth, ensuring continuity in their backline. As the January window approaches, Van Dijk and Slot’s endorsement could place Hato firmly on Liverpool’s radar.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Jorrel Hato’s Performance Data Highlights Versatility

Liverpool target Jorrel Hato has become one of Europe’s most intriguing young defenders, showcasing a blend of attacking output and possession capabilities rarely seen among centre-backs. A closer examination of his stats, courtesy of FBref, offers insight into his remarkable range of skills and potential value to any top-tier team.

Offensive Strengths in a Defensive Role

Hato’s attacking metrics immediately stand out. Ranking in the 98th percentile for shot-creating actions, 99th for assists, and 98th for expected goals plus expected assisted goals (xG + xAG), the 18-year-old demonstrates the creative flair of a more advanced playmaker. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) also sit at an impressive 62nd percentile, suggesting he frequently contributes to offensive sequences—a rarity for players primarily tasked with defensive duties.

This offensive output indicates that Hato could fit perfectly into a system that values dynamic contributions from its defenders. Such adaptability is especially appealing to modern managers who prefer defenders that can advance play.

Passing Precision and Progressive Play

Hato’s possession stats underline his ability to control and progress the ball effectively. With a pass completion rate in the 95th percentile and high ranks in progressive passes (83rd) and carries (79th), he demonstrates a reliable capacity to transition play from the back. His 99th percentile in progressive passes received further emphasises his positioning and readiness to support forward movement.

Areas for Defensive Improvement

While Hato excels in attacking and possession-based metrics, his defensive stats reveal areas to refine. He sits in the 2nd percentile for clearances and the 10th for aerial duels won. These figures suggest that while he’s effective on the ball, he may need to bolster his defensive positioning and aerial dominance to become a more balanced centre-back.

Hato’s overall profile, however, remains highly appealing—an emerging talent with a unique skill set that would suit a possession-heavy team like Liverpool.