Liverpool miss out as Ajax star agrees new contract
Daniel Cabot Kerkdijk
- 20 Sept 2023 07:32 BST
- 3 min read
Ajax have been boosted by the news that 17-year-old defender Jorrel Hato is ready to shun rumoured interest from Liverpool and sign a new deal with the club.
Although the 17-year-old only has a modest contract until June 2025 and the situation of the Amsterdam club is not ideal, he sees no reason to leave at this point in his career.
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Director of football affairs Sven Mislintat wants to reward Hato with a full professional contract and has been given reason for optimism by the youngster’s reaction.
“I don't concern myself with it. It's going to happen anyway. I don't care when, but I see my future here. The current situation of the club does not change that," Hato refers to Ajax's sporting malaise, in conversation with Algemeen Dagblad.
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Hato’s incredible Ajax rise
Hato has played in Ajax's youth academy since the summer of 2018. At that time, he joined from Sparta Rotterdam. In March 2022, Hato signed his first professional contract with Ajax – a three-year deal that runs until June 30, 2025.
Only two Ajax players were younger than Hato when they made their competitive debuts for the side: Ryan Gravenberch and Clarence Seedorf. Hato took the field against SC Cambuur on February 5, replacing Owen Wijndal. At the time he was 16 years, 10 months and 29 days.
He started last season in the youth team, played in the UEFA Youth League, experienced his first minutes in Jong Ajax before the winter break and was then awarded a debut in the first team in the KNVB Beker.
Hato, who will not celebrate his 18th birthday until March next year, made 15 appearances for Ajax's first team last season and averaged 51 minutes per match.
The youth international has not missed a minute of the six official matches of Maurice Steijn's team this football season.
According to the FootballTransfers algorithm, the teenager's Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is currently €5.7 million.
