Henderson feelings crystal clear as Liverpool 'launch' £25m plan - 'It's crazy'

If Liverpool are able to sign Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato, Jordan Henderson may not quite know how to feel.

Hato, 18, has been one of the breakout players in Europe this year, establishing himself as a first-team regular at the Eredivisie giants despite his youthful age. It has not taken long for the defender, who has been deployed at left-back and centre-half this season, to become one of the most sought-after teenagers in world football.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has enjoyed a strong start to life at the club, but his only signing to arrive at Anfield last summer was Federico Chiesa. Reports claim Hato was in attendance on Saturday to watch the Reds' 4-1 home victory over Ipswich Town.

They've been tipped to accelerate their interest and wrap up a move for the young prospect this month, with a €30million (£25m) fee believed to be enough to prize him away. As Liverpool continue to be linked with him, former Reds skipper and current Ajax midfielder Henderson has already offered his glowing thoughts on the teenager.

Henderson recently told their club website: "It's crazy how young he is, but obviously how mature he looks when he’s on the pitch and also off the pitch. He's a very mature person, works hard, fantastic player. And yeah, he has a bright future ahead of him, I'm sure.

"I think he just needs to continue to do what he's been doing. Obviously, it's been working for him. I'll try to help him and also the players if they ask for a little bit of advice off the field. If I can help them, I'm sure I'll try and do that, of course."

It's been widely suggested that the teenager could be a long-term replacement for compatriot Virgil van Dijk, who's been in talks over a new contract on Merseyside but will need back-up in the not-too-distant future regardless given he turns 34 this summer.

Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold all have deals that come to an end on June 30, 2025. After the win over Ipswich, the Dutch defender admitted he is still not sure what the future holds for him at Anfield.

He told reporters: "There will be a day one day when I reflect on everything that’s happened to me at Liverpool. Then I’ll have a proper think about what stands out. Hopefully, there are still good things to come.

"I have no idea [how many more appearances I’ll make]. How many are left this season? Hopefully, those are guaranteed and then I don’t know what the future will bring."

Hato has also been linked with moves to Chelsea and Real Madrid, who have been impressed with his versatility and experience. He has already amassed more than 90 appearances for Ajax, at an age when most players are still learning their trade in the academy team.

The defender has been at Ajax since 2018, when he joined their academy ranks from the Sparta Rotterdam youth set-up at the age of 12. His departure would no doubt bring mixed emotions for Henderson, whose current club's loss would be his former club's gain.