The 18-year-old Ajax defender, who has already made a name for himself with his impressive performances in the Eredivisie, was recently spotted at Anfield during Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town, fueling speculation about a potential move.
With his standout performances and versatility on the pitch, Hato has become a highly sought-after prospect. Here’s all you need to know about Jorrel Hato, his rise to fame, his playing style, and why top clubs like Liverpool are eyeing him.
All You Need to Know About Jorrel Hato
Early Career
Jorrel Hato began his football journey in Rotterdam at Sparta Rotterdam and joined Ajax’s youth academy in 2018 at just 10 years old. He showcased his defensive skills and versatility in the U16, U17, and U18 teams. At 15, he signed his first professional contract with Ajax.
In 2023, Hato made his senior debut for Ajax, becoming the third-youngest player to debut in the Eredivisie at 16 years and 335 days, behind Ryan Gravenberch and Clarence Seedorf. That same year, he captained Ajax in a UEFA Europa League match at just 17, further solidifying his leadership and talent on the European stage.
Hato’s breakthrough continued in the 2023/24 season as he became a regular in Ajax’s first team, participating in the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and UEFA Europa League. His impressive performances caught the attention of major clubs across Europe. Despite this interest, Hato remained committed to Ajax, signing a contract extension through 2025.
Playing Style
Jorrel Hato, a left-footed Dutch defender standing 183cm tall and weighing 76kg, has a strong, compact build well-suited for physical duels.
Primarily positioned as a left-centre back or occasionally as a left-back, he has already accumulated just under 1000 minutes of play in the 2023/24 season across the Eredivisie and UEFA Europa League.
Hato, a composed left-centre-back for Ajax, excels in receiving and distributing passes, ranking in the top 25% of the Eredivisie. His dribbling skills, in the 94th percentile, help him evade defenders and relieve pressure. Although he doesn’t score frequently, he supports Ajax’s attack through ball progression and key passes.
Defensively, Hato is a reliable presence, using his physicality, game awareness, and quick reactions to succeed in duels, counter-pressing, and tracking back.
Although there are areas for improvement in his decision-making and positioning, especially against more experienced attackers, his potential remains high. With further development, Hato is poised to become a top-tier defender.
International Recognition
The young Ajax defender has quickly risen to prominence, earning recognition both at the club level and internationally. He made his senior debut for the Netherlands in a European Championship qualifier against Gibraltar in November 2023, becoming the second-youngest player to represent the country since 1931.
Prior to this, he had already gained valuable experience with various Dutch youth national teams, including the U16, U17, and U21 sides. His performances in the UEFA Nations League and in European club competitions with Ajax have further solidified his status. Additionally, The Guardian named him one of the best players born in 2006, spotlighting his exceptional talent.
His versatility and skill, notably his ability to play both centre-back and left-back, have attracted interest from top European clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Tottenham. With his performances continuing to impress, his market value has been estimated at €30 million by Transfermarkt.
2024/25 Season
He demonstrated strong all-around performances for Ajax in the Eredivisie 2023/24 season. In 33 matches, he scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists, contributing to both defense and offense. His passing game stands out with an impressive 79 passes per 90 minutes and a 93% accuracy rate. Defensively, Hato averages 2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, and 2.4 clearances per 90 minutes, winning 58% of his duels, showcasing his defensive reliability and solid presence on the field.
In the 2024-2025 season, Hato took 7 shots, scoring 2 goals, highlighting his potential in attack as well. One notable performance came in a match against PEC Zwolle, where Ajax won 2-0, and Hato earned a Sofascore rating of 7.1. These statistics reflect his well-rounded game, where he not only excels defensively but also contributes to Ajax’s offensive play, further solidifying his role as a promising young central defender.
Transfer Interest
Jorrel Hato has caught the attention of many top European football clubs, all eager to sign the talented Ajax defender. Chelsea has shown the strongest interest, reportedly leading the race for his signature and planning to sell some players to make room for the transfer. Liverpool is also keen on Hato, with manager Arne Slot aiming to strengthen the defense for the 2025 season. There are even rumors that Hato was spotted at Anfield, which suggests Liverpool is closely monitoring him. Arsenal has also been interested, but Hato recently signed a new contract with Ajax until 2028, which could slow down their pursuit.
Other big clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus, and Tottenham have also been linked with Hato, indicating his rising value in European football. His ability to play both center-back and left-back, along with his youth and experience, make him a highly attractive prospect for these teams. While Ajax’s new contract with Hato may delay a transfer, many clubs are watching him closely, and a move could happen in the summer or later. With Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk possibly leaving, Hato could be a perfect fit for them, while Chelsea and Real Madrid are also keen on his defensive skills.
Future Prospects
At just 18 years of age, Jorrel Hato’s future in football looks incredibly bright. Whether he stays at Ajax or moves to one of Europe’s elite clubs, Hato is undoubtedly a player to watch as he continues his development. With his blend of versatility, technical ability, and leadership qualities, Hato is poised to make a significant impact both domestically and internationally.
This rising star is destined for greatness. Keep an eye on Jorrel Hato as his career unfolds, as he has the potential to become one of the premier defenders in world football.
