Jorrel Hato to Liverpool takes SUDDEN step forward

Liverpool have their eyes on Jorrel Hato and now a move might be a bit more likely. Milos Kerkez remains the favourite, however.

Liverpool want a new left-back ahead of next season, casting doubt on the future of Kostas Tsimikas. But the Reds know Andy Robertson won’t last forever - it’s time to find his long-term successor.

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The favourite is unquestionably Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth. Liverpool want to sign the player and are favourites to do so, though price is a problem.

Bournemouth was £45m for the Hungarian and that’s a massive price for a young full-back. Liverpool are hesitant to pay it, with negotiations reportedly ongoing.

It’s far from a sure thing, in other words, and that has the Reds eyeing up an alternative. That’s reportedly Jorrel Hato of Ajax.

The teenager has been fantastic since breaking through at the Dutch giants. Liverpool have him on their radar as a result, though only as an alternative to Kerkez.

But that might end up being the all-important factor here. The chances of the Reds moving for Hato have taken a sudden leap.

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Jorrel Hato or Milos Kerkez?

The i Paper now reports that Manchester City have entered the race to sign Kerkez. Liverpool remain favourites to land the left-back but this is a problem.

For one, it’s another club capable of turning Kerkez’s head. The bigger issue, though, is that Bournemouth will stick far more rigidly to that £45m asking price if there are multiple clubs interested in their player.

All it takes is City’s willingness to offer £45m and Liverpool likely don’t sign Kerkez. Bournemouth would simply point them to the asking price and it’s one the Reds don’t seem to want to pay.

Which in turn pushes them back towards Hato. That’s an interesting transfer, given he’d likely cost a similar fee to Kerkez.

The difference is in versatility. Hato is also more than comfortable as a centre-back, meaning Liverpool could get a very useful squad player at the very least.

So while Kerkez is more likely to break through as a first-choice player, Hato is more likely to guarantee a place in the squad. Even if he’s not first-choice, the Dutchman would play a role at squad level.

He’s also a couple of years younger than Kerkez, so there’s always time for him to catch up in ability.

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We still imagine Liverpool will push hard for Kerkez as Anfield Watch understands he’s been on the radar for a long time now. City’s involvement complicates matters, however, and it makes a move for Hato quite a bit more likely.