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Liverpool to accelerate deal for wonderkid replacement for Andy Robertson: report

ryan dabbs
·2-min read

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Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts after Andrew Robertson was shown a red card during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield on December 14, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images).
Slot could be about to replace Robertson. | Credit: Getty Images

Liverpool are set to sign a replacement for Andy Robertson, with the Scottish left-back having underperformed for the Reds this season.

Once a key figure in Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side, Robertson has since struggled for form under Arne Slot - despite playing in a team that are currently running away with the Premier League title.

The Dutch boss is keen on an upgrade in that area as a result, with Robertson's time at Liverpool at threat as the Reds plot a last-minute January move for a highly-rated wonderkid.

Liverpool want to bring in Jorrel Hato

Jorrel Hato of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax v Vitesse at the Johan Cruijff Arena on November 25, 2023 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Jeroen van den Berg/Soccrates/Getty Images) Arsenal target Liverpool target
Hato is admired by those at Anfield | Credit: Getty Images

According to TeamTalk, Liverpool are ready to make a late move in the January transfer window for Ajax left-back Jorrel Hato, after discovering he could not be available by the time summer comes around.

Indeed, Liverpool were reportedly willing to hold out until the summer window to sign Hato, with Arne Slot a huge fan of the 18-year-old. Real Madrid and Chelsea are now both interested in the young Dutchman, though, causing the Reds to accelerate their plans in the transfer market.

Andrew Robertson of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Robertson has struggled somewhat this term | Credit: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

With the futures of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold still unclear, too, completing as many deals before the summer seems the safest bet for Liverpool. It is believed by Liverpool fans that Hato was also in attendance at Anfield as the Reds beat Ipswich 4-1 on Saturday, as Ajax had a free weekend.

Though his contract runs until June 2028, it is believed Hato is available for just £25m - the same as his Transfermarkt valuation - this January as Ajax struggle financially.

Hato, who is just as comfortable playing at centre-back as he is at left-back, has already made 31 appearances for Ajax this term, scoring three times and assisting on a further five occasions. That defensive solidity and versatility could perfectly suit Slot's system at Anfield, as he looks to build an even tighter unit.

In FourFourTwo's view, Hato would be a great signing for Liverpool at that price, especially when other clubs are also interested in him. The ideal situation would see him spend more time in Amstedam developing his craft, but time might just be of the essence.