Liverpool tied up their second signing of the summer on Friday, as Florian Wirtz put pen to paper on a five-year contract
The Reds are steadily ticking names off their summer to-do list. With Florian Wirtz officially joining Jeremie Frimpong at Anfield, and Milos Kerkez also expected to arrive soon, Liverpool are moving with real purpose.
That gives Arne Slot fresh options at right-back, left-back, and attacking midfield. But there’s still work to be done — especially in defence.
With Jarell Quansah closing in on a £35m move to Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool clearly need to bring in another centre-back. Marc Guehi has been mentioned, but as reported by Rousing the Kop, the focus remains on finding a young centre-half who can grow into the role long-term.
And according to journalist Lewis Steele, Virgil van Dijk already has someone in mind.
Van Dijk’s pick: Jorrel Hato
If there’s anyone whose opinion should carry weight in defensive matters at Liverpool, it’s Van Dijk. And as Steele said on his YouTube channel, the captain is a huge admirer of Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato.
“From what I’ve been told, Van Dijk absolutely adores Hato,” Steele said. “Good sources in Holland tell me he thinks Hato is the best defensive talent to come out of the country in years.”
That’s high praise — and not something to take lightly.
Hato, just 19, has mainly played at left-back but is also comfortable at centre-back. That versatility may be exactly what Liverpool need right now.
Could Hato cover both positions?
The situation at left-back is still developing. Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas could both move on if strong offers come in — though Liverpool aren’t actively pushing either out.
If both players were to leave, Kerkez would need support. Enter Hato, who could serve as a rotational full-back while also developing as a centre-half — potentially as the long-term heir to Van Dijk.
And that seems to be the plan.
Reports this week suggest that Liverpool are already in talks over a move for Hato. Whether the deal happens this summer or next is unclear, but the interest is real, and Van Dijk’s stamp of approval might help nudge things along.
One thing’s certain: Liverpool are rebuilding smart, not flashy. And if they land Hato, it might just be another example of the Reds planning for both the present and the future in perfect balance.