However, one rumoured target has slipped through the net. Ex-Ajax defender Jorrel Hato got Liverpool fans excited in January when he rocked up at Anfield to watch the club’s 4-1 win over Ipswich, reportedly having been invited by former team-mate Ryan Gravenberch.
The expectation was that the teenage star would later return to Merseyside on a permanent basis, especially when room was made by the sale of Jarrel Quansah. Sure enough, the 19-year-old has made his move to the Premier League this summer.
Not to Liverpool, though. Instead, Hato has signed for Chelsea in a deal worth an initial £38.5m. While the club’s tendency to dish out lengthy contracts has regularly backfired on them, this seven-year deal seemingly signifies long-term value for money.
While the Blues have been unable to match the success of their rivals in recent seasons, they have regularly taken transfer targets from under their noses. If the lingering animosity from the Fernando Torres move back in 2011 wasn’t enough, the grudge has been exacerbated in the past two years.
The two clubs went head-to-head in January 2023 to sign World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez. It was Chelsea who won the battle in a British record £107m deal, a figure Liverpool looked set to break the following summer as they pursued Moises Caicedo.
A £115 deal was agreed with Brighton, only for Mauricio Pochettino to scupper the deal at the 11th hour. Not only did the Ecuadorian midfielder head to London, but when Jurgen Klopp then moved for an alternative target in Romeo Lavia, Chelsea snared him too for £58m.
Beating the champions to Hato is the latest shot to be fired. Slot is unlikely to be perturbed, although is he does finally get Isak through the door at Carrington, the Dutchman could be forgiven for confiscating the striker’s phone and ushering a pen into his hand, just in case Chelsea decide to come calling.