Chelsea have made a big leap in their effort to sign Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato. The 18-year-old has already sanctioned the project at Stamford Bridge with personal terms almost finalised. Club to club talks have started with Ajax and deal is getting close.
Hato says yes to Chelsea project
Chelsea have persuaded Jorrel Hato with their long-term vision, and the versatile Dutch defender wants to play a key role in Enzo Maresca’s new-look side. Hato, 20, has verbally agreed to join Chelsea and plans to sign personal terms later this week.
The teenage sensation — who captained Ajax several times last season — ticks the boxes of Chelsea’s youth-led policy. He has made over 70 senior appearances and made caps for the Netherlands national team, it shows you that already as a kid, he was not acting as one. Chelsea believe Hato can slot straight into the starting left side of their defence, and also adapt to a back-three system if needed.
Chelsea also see him as a future leader in defence, someone who can grow into a vocal organiser. Hato is viewed by the Blues as a long-term defensive rock – and someone who provides balance and composure from the left – with Ben Chilwell likely to be replaced eventually.
Ajax talks underway, deal could hit £50m
Chelsea have since begun negotiations with Ajax in a bid to get a deal done. The Dutch giants value Hato at around £60million, but the Blues are hoping to bring that down to £50million. But despite that void, both clubs still enjoy a good working relationship.
Chelsea want to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible, completing the transfer before pre-season is really up and running. The possible arrival of Hato could bring instant competition for Levi Colwill and cover for both left-back and centre-back.
Hato’s onboard. Now it’s just the final handshake.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
