Liverpool continue to ramp up plans for a huge summer transfer window.
The reds have found out painfully in the last few weeks that they lack quality depth. When Arne Slot rested nine players in the Champions League, the team lost to PSV. However, the reds had already made the knockout phase after topping the group phase. Last weekend, Slot rotated the team in the FA Cup fourth round against Plymouth.
Liverpool lost 1-0 and were knocked out of the competition. Slot relied on the young players and fringe players at the club. Trey Nyoni, James McConnell and Federico Chiesa featured in the game. The performance was awful, with Slot even commenting on it.
The reds are still in contention to win the Premier League, Champions League and the League Cup final.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
Liverpool continue to scout Chelsea target
Credit: Imago Images
There are plans for changes to the squad in the summer. Liverpool avoided making any deals in January, with an eye on transfer plans in the summer. The reds rejected Saudi Pro League deals for Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah. Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr offered big money deals in January, but Liverpool held firm.
The reds are also planning for the eventual departures of some players at the club. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk are out of contract in the summer. There are strong links that each of them could leave the club. Van Dijk mentioned last week that he had not signed a new deal, rubbishing rumours of him signing a contract extension.
Graeme Bailey reported that Chelsea and Liverpool scouts were in Amsterdam last week to watch Jorrel Hato in action for Ajax. The 18-year old is highly rated and could be a target for Europe’s big clubs in the summer. Liverpool have a bit of advantage when it comes to Hato. The defender paid a visit to his friend and international teammate Ryan Gravenberch over a month ago. Hato was at Anfield to watch Liverpool beat Ipswich, stirring rumours of a potential move in the near future.
Hato would be a good deal
The young defender plays years beyond his actual age. Hato has shades of Van Dijk in his style, and its clear as to why clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea are interested in him. If Liverpool want to sign the defender, they will have to act fast before he is tempted elsewhere. The fee being reported is €50 million, and for a talent his age, this is sort of a bargain.
