Chelsea are going all out to secure the signing of Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato with talks set to re-commence early this week. The 18-year-old Dutch centre-back knew exactly what he wants— only Chelsea. Personal terms? Already locked in. The contract? Prepared and waiting. Now, it’s merely a matter of agreeing between the two clubs on a fee.
Hato is completely sold on Enzo Maresca’s project and sees the move as the best way to fire his career. Chelsea also see him as a linchpin in their defensive rebuild and are eager to push through the deal. Hato is already getting ready for life in London, sources say.
Talks Back On—This Week is Key
Chelsea and Ajax back in direct talks now, working to complete the deal in next days. The conversations are moving in the right direction, but a deal hasn’t been struck. But Chelsea are still positive of getting a deal done before the week is out.
Ajax are already aware of Hato’s wish and, although they prefer to retain their captain, they are unlikely to stand in the way of the move if their price is met. No other club is in the running and with Jorrel Hato pushing from their end, Chelsea are in pole position to seal the deal before the market enters it’s final stretch.
A Core Piece for Maresca’s Youth Project
Jorrel Hato would be another marquee addition to Chelsea’s youth-centric approach to the game, if he were to be snapped up. At just 18 years old, he has already skippered Ajax, and his maturity extends way beyond his years. Chelsea see him as a future defensive leader — perhaps as a long-term partner for Levi Colwill.
It would be a game-changing opening of the window, with a little over two months left to make his mark on the club for a decade or more if it can be done.
