Ryan Gravenberch came through Ajax's academy and is now a top-class midfielder (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool could make a Ryan Gravenberch-esque move by signing a promising player who has impressed at senior level after graduating from Ajax's youth academy.
A number of talented stars have played for the Reds after shining in the Dutch capital. Luis Suarez is perhaps the best example, with the forward ripping it up at Anfield following his move from Ajax in 2010.
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Gravenberch, a product of their academy system, has emerged as a key cog in the Liverpool machine since joining from Bayern Munich two years ago.
It seems the Merseyside giants could soon repeat their old tactics by looking to the Netherlands before the January window slams shut.
Jorrel Hato was spotted at Anfield to watch Liverpool's big win over Ipswich Town (Image: GETTY)
They have been linked with a potential move for Jorrel Hato, who is widely regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe.
Hato was spotted at Anfield to watch Liverpool thrash Ipswich Town on the weekend, fuelling speculation that he could be about to join the club. However, it has been reported by De Telegraaf that he was simply visiting Gravenberch, who invited him to the game.
Liverpool could still decide to move for Hato, though, with TEAMtalk claiming that a switch could be engineered before the January window closes next Monday.
They would reportedly prefer to sign Hato in the summer, but Real Madrid and Chelsea are said to be stepping up their own enquiries. As a result, Liverpool could decide to accelerate their pursuit in the hope of avoiding a fierce bidding war.
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Hato certainly has all the ingredients to become a key man for Liverpool in the future. Two years ago, he was awarded the Abdelhak Nouri Trophy which is given to the best player in the Ajax academy each year.
The likes of Gravenberch, Matthijs de Ligt and Jurrien Timber are among the previous winners, suggesting that Hato is destined to follow in their footsteps by carving out a successful career.
"It's crazy how young he is, but obviously how mature he looks when he's on the pitch and also off the pitch," Henderson told Ajax's official website last year.
"He is 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, but yeah, I'll try to help him."
