European star makes his future clear after being spotted at Liverpool.
Arne Slot once again mentioned that he is happy with the current squad after Wednesday’s loss. Liverpool have not made a permanent addition in January. It was to be expected that the Reds would not make any significant moves after they only signed one player on a permanent deal in the summer.
The Liverpool boss said on Wednesday that the club is happy with the players:
”I know people sometimes question this because they haven’t seen us doing a lot in the transfer market in the summer and now in the winter as well. There’s a reason for that – because we’re happy with the squad.”
Liverpool lost to PSV on Wednesday, but still made the knockout phase of the Champions League.
Quiz: Can you name these 10 former Premier League players?
Star player shuts down move to Liverpool
Credit: Imago Images
Liverpool beat Ipswich Town 4-1 on Saturday. Goals from Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai were enough to seal the win at Anfield. The Reds are still top of the Premier League, six points ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand.
One thing a lot of fans, and later the media, noticed was a surprise visitor at Anfield. Ajax star Jorrel Hato was spotted watching the Ipswich game on Saturday. The young defender has been linked with clubs across Europe, including Liverpool.
This sparked a lot of rumours about the 18-year old possibly joining the Premier League club. Hato has now come out to confirm the reason why he was at Anfield on Saturday:
”I read it all. But I also know that not everything was right. For my development it’s best that I stay at Ajax now. I was invited by Ryan Gravenberch.
But I didn’t speak to a director there. Liverpool played well and the atmosphere in the stadium was good, but there is no more to say.”
The defender is good friends with Gravenberch, as they are teammates at international level. Hato made it clear that he will not leave Ajax this month, despite links to Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Reds should consider Hato as Van Dijk replacement
Liverpool are already bracing for the departure of Virgil Van Dijk; the club offered Ibrahima Konate a new long-term contract. If the Dutch defender does leave the club, there would be a big hole. Hato is young, but his performances with Ajax show he is good enough to start for a bigger club. Liverpool should keep an eye on the youngster for the near future.
