Rivals had anticipated Liverpool’s downfall following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, believing the club would struggle to stay competitive. However, Arne Slot arrived and swiftly silenced those doubts, proving the sceptics wrong.
Just under a year after Klopp had sung Slot’s name, the Dutchman led Liverpool to Premier League glory. While Klopp left with the Carabao Cup and Champions League qualification as consolation, Slot’s first season exceeded all expectations.
Having guided Liverpool to a league title in his debut campaign, Slot has now joined the elite group of managers who have lifted the English top-flight trophy in their first year. He has also been trusted to work alongside sporting director Richard Hughes in revamping the squad during the transfer window.
Slot has banished the doubts that surrounded his appointment. With Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth expected soon, and a new striker on the agenda, Liverpool fans have every reason to feel optimistic.
Naturally, departures are also on the horizon, with long-serving full-back Andy Robertson reportedly set to leave in the coming months.
Liverpool’s Left-back Situation
Robertson, now 31, is heading into the final year of his £160,000-a-week contract and has unfortunately appeared to struggle under Arne Slot’s system. Given the years of relentless commitment he’s given to the club, it’s no surprise fatigue may have finally caught up with him.
With a deal in place to bring in Milos Kerkez, Robertson looks set to lose his starting role. As Atletico Madrid show interest, it’s possible that FSG may reluctantly allow one of their most dependable figures to move on.
Although Kerkez is still early in his career, he has already demonstrated a level of quality that arguably surpasses what Liverpool’s seasoned left-back now offers. Robertson’s physical edge and boundless energy, once among his greatest assets, have noticeably declined over the past year.
| Milos Kerkez vs Andy Robertson (PL 24/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (* per game) | Kerkez | Robertson |
| Matches (starts) | 38 (38) | 33 (29) |
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
| Assists | 5 | 1 |
| Touches* | 59.6 | 64.5 |
| Pass completion | 80% | 88% |
| Big chances created | 8 | 7 |
| Key passes* | 1.0 | 1.2 |
| Dribbles* | 0.6 | 0.2 |
| Ball recoveries* | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 2.6 | 1.8 |
| Clearances* | 2.6 | 1.3 |
| Duels (won)* | 4.0 (54%) | 1.8 (48%) |
| Data Source: Sofascore | ||
If Robertson does depart, however, there’s a risk Liverpool could be leaving themselves exposed. Kostas Tsimikas, his understudy, is attracting interest from Leeds United, which could further thin their options. The Reds may well need to bring in another standout left-back—and the player they’re eyeing could be the most exciting prospect of them all.
Liverpool Consider Another Left-back
According to TEAMtalk, Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is keen on a move to Liverpool, even though Arsenal currently appear to be leading the chase for his signature.
The 19-year-old has impressed in the Eredivisie and carries a €50 million (£43 million) price tag—an amount Ajax have no intention of lowering during this transfer window.
Additional reports suggest Chelsea are also in the mix, and both Liverpool and the London club have been told by Hato’s representatives that the race remains wide open for now.
What Jorrel Hato Would Bring to Liverpool
Liverpool look to be in a strong position with the addition of 21-year-old Milos Kerkez, so why is Arne Slot also eyeing another left-sided defender in Jorrel Hato? The answer lies in the versatility Hato brings—offering depth on the flank while also being capable of operating as a central defender.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig once described Hato as “one of the most talented centre-backs in Europe in his generation” during the early stages of his development. Yet over the past year, the Dutchman has primarily featured at left-back, thanks to his remarkable stamina, aggressive playing style, and ability to surge up and down the wing.
According to FBref, Hato ranked in the top 9% of full-backs in Europe last season for pass completion, the top 14% for combined tackles and interceptions, and the top 15% for ball recoveries per 90 minutes.
These standout numbers highlight the skill set that has allowed a natural centre-back to excel so effectively in a wide role.
| Jorell Hato – Ajax Stats by Position | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Left-back | 89 | 4 | 8 |
| Centre-back | 70 | 3 | 3 |
| Centre-midfield | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Data Source: Transfermarkt | |||
Hato and Kerkez are both highly promising defensive talents, and picking which of the two would thrive more under Slot almost feels like splitting hairs. But if we’re going down that road, Ajax’s precocious gem certainly stands out as something special.
Talent scout Phil Costa has praised Hato for his “special” abilities—his skill, adaptability, and potential to excel in multiple roles suggest he could become one of the best players in the world. It’s the kind of profile that should spark real excitement among Liverpool supporters.
Analyst Ben Mattinson has even described him as an “exceptional athlete,” and when you consider Hato’s capability in not just one but two positions Liverpool are looking to reinforce, there’s a strong case to be made that he’s the more intriguing option than Kerkez.
He also brings more intrigue than the ageing Robertson, who Jamie Carragher labelled “an absolute legend” in January, though also a defender who has been “hanging on in every game.”
If Liverpool’s move for Kerkez were to collapse at the last minute, Hato would represent an outstanding alternative. But if all goes smoothly and Richard Hughes lands another top signing, bringing in Hato as well could complete a near-perfect defensive refresh for the Premier League champions.
In other news, Report: ‘One of the Best’ Players in the World Set to Join Liverpool Next Week Alongside Florian Wirtz