Liverpool preparing £40m sensation to REPLACE Van Dijk

Liverpool still retain hopes of having Virgil van Dijk in their lineup next season. The captain has been an integral part of the first team since his arrival from Southampton for £75 million back in 2018.

The Dutchman has won everything the game has to offer since then as well as establishing himself as the top centre-back in the world.

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But Van Dijk’s current contract - reported to be in excess of £220,000 per week - is running down and there have been no positive updates lately about the prospect of having it renewed.

Paris Saint-Germain have stepped in with a money-spinning bid and the 33-year-old wouldn’t be short of suitors in Saudi Arabia either.

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However, Liverpool fans would love to see Van Dijk sign a new deal and he will have a role to play in priming his own successor to take over if the latest reports are to be believed.

Reds want Hato alongside Van Dijk

Rather than losing Van Dijk this summer, the Reds are now reported to be keen on adding Jorrel Hato from Ajax this summer with the aim of allowing the two Netherlands’ internationals to play alongside one another for one season at least.

That’s according to a new report in Football Insider, which claims Hato will be allowed to leave Amsterdam during the off-season for £40m.

“Jorrel Hato has been identified by Liverpool as the long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk ahead of the summer transfer window,” a report reads.

Ajax want £40m for Hato

“[Arne] Slot doesn’t see Hato as Van Dijk’s successor just yet, with the ideal scenario being that Van Dijk signs a new contract.

“Hato would more likely be brought in to play alongside Van Dijk, either in central defence or at left-back, to get up to speed with the Premier League, with a view towards succeeding the 33-year-old long-term.”

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Hato has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last couple of years, starring for Ajax and becoming a fully-fledged Dutch international despite his tender years.

The 19-year-old defender has played 24 times in the Eredivisie this season, either at left-back or centre-back, scoring twice and adding six assists.

He also set tongues wagging earlier this season by paying a visit to Anfield to watch his Dutch international colleague Ryan Gravenberch in action.

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“Ajax hold all of the cards ahead of the summer window, with Hato under contract in Amsterdam until 2028, and the Dutch giants are set to demand a minimum of £40million from any club keen to sign him,” the report states.