Real Madrid are searching far and wide in the transfer market for reinforcements in the centre-back department.
The serious ACL injury to Eder Militao last week will likely put him out of action for at least nine months while David Alaba’s recovery has gone very slow as well.
As such, a new centre-back is set to arrive at the club in January while it is not entirely ruled out that Real Madrid sign another central defender in the summer.
Names like Aymeric Laporte, Castello Lukeba, and more recently Jonathan Tah have been mentioned as targets for Real Madrid and there appears to be another name on the agenda.
Jorrel Hato on Real Madrid’s radars
Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are also tracking AFC Ajax and Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato.
Hato has been at Ajax since 2018 and having risen through the academy ranks, he has already made 81 senior appearances at just 18 years old.
Capable of playing as a centre-back or a left-back, Hato has three goals and four assists from 20 matches in all competitions this season for the Dutch giants.
Given his age, exciting potential, and exposure to top-level football at just 18, Hato fits the profile of players Real Madrid try to sign and as such, has emerged as a target for the reigning champions of Spain and Europe.
The fact that he is a left-footed centre-back only adds to the appeal.
However, the 18-year-old defender is tied down to a contract with Ajax until 2028 and could command a big transfer fee if Real Madrid do decide to pursue his signing.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.
