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Liverpool Target £25m Defender to succeed Virgil van Dijk

Originally posted on The Kop Times | By Arindam Talukdar | Last updated Nov 16, 2024 10:11 AM ET

The future of Virgil van Dijk is uncertain, and while Liverpool fans hope the defender stays, it appears that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are already preparing for the possibility of the Netherlands international leaving Anfield.

Liverpool are currently in excellent form, sitting at the top of the Premier League table . While Manchester City are expected to recover from their mini-slump, Arne Slot’s side show no signs of slowing down. However, as is typical for major clubs, Liverpool are planning for the future, especially with Van Dijk’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

According to TuttoJuve, Liverpool are in competition with Juventus for the signing of Jorrel Hato from Ajax.

The Italian media outlet reports that Liverpool have earmarked Hato as a potential replacement for Virgil van Dijk. Hato is reportedly “destined for a transfer” and will cost €30 million (£25 million), a fee that Juventus are unwilling to pay.

Liverpool will face immense competition

The 18-year-old Netherlands international, Jorrel Hato, is versatile, capable of playing both as a centre-back and a left-back. Having been with Ajax his entire life, rising through the ranks, it might now be time for him to embark on a new journey elsewhere. Hato has made 81 appearances for Ajax, contributing 11 goals—a notable achievement for a player in his position.

This season, Hato has scored two goals and provided four assists in just nine Eredivisie starts. In the 2023-24 campaign, he scored one goal and registered two assists in 33 league matches, further showcasing his growing potential. The Dutchman is currently earning £17,000 per week.

Liverpool and Juventus are not the only Premier League club keeping an eye on Jorrel Hato. Arsenal have also been linked with the Dutch teenager. The Athletic reported in September that Hato’s name has been frequently discussed in Arsenal’s transfer meetings. However, Arsenal are not in urgent need of a new defender, having signed Riccardo Calafiori in the summer of 2024.

This article first appeared on The Kop Times and was syndicated with permission.

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