Chelsea beat rivals to complete signing of Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato. The 18-year-old Dutch defender is ready for a big-money switch to Stamford Bridge, with a deal in place after the two clubs agreed terms. The transfer fee will be more than €43m with add-ons and a sell-on clause. Chelsea view him as a long-term defensive cornerstone. Hato is expected in London soon to finalise his medical.
The highly-rated centre-back made it known from the outset: this summer he wanted only Chelsea despite interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Deal Agreed, Medicals Next
Years of chasing Hato have paid off for Chelsea. Chelsea sorted personal terms, and Ajax have now accepted the fee — reportedly in the €43–45m region. Hato played 34 times in the Eredivisie last season, and led by example with the captain’s armband despite his tender years.
What comes next is already in progress. Chelsea are closing in on travel and medical plans, with the Dutch starlet set to arrive in the capital within days. His representatives are confident all formalities will be wrapped up quickly. He’ll sign a long-term deal — thought to be until 2032 —and join up with the first-team squad under Enzo Maresca.
Hato is a modern, left-footed center half who plays with calmness and possesses speed across the ground, and he can also fill in at left-back. His adaptability and attitude were impressive.
Player Only Wanted Chelsea
Even though clubs in Spain and Germany were expressing interest, Jorrel Hato made it plain to Ajax that his first choice was west London. Sources close to the player say he admires Chelsea’s project and wants to grow under Maresca’s tutelage.
Chelsea’s youth-first strategy continues — and in Hato, they’ve nabbed a gem who still has a lot of elite level maturity and promise.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
