Chelsea Secure €40M Deal for Ajax’s Rising Star Jorrel Hato

6 days ago

Jorrel Hato

Chelsea Football Club has reportedly finalized a blockbuster transfer agreement with Dutch giants Ajax to sign the highly coveted 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato for a fee exceeding €40 million (£34.5m). The deal, which awaits final approval from Ajax’s supervisory board, marks a significant coup for the Blues as they continue their ambitious youth-driven recruitment strategy under manager Enzo Maresca. Once approved, Hato is set to travel to London for a medical and sign a seven-year contract, solidifying his place as one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects to join the Premier League.

The transfer saga, which has unfolded rapidly over recent weeks, shows Chelsea’s determination to boost their defensive ranks with versatile, technically gifted players capable of thriving in Maresca’s high-possession system. Negotiations between Chelsea and Ajax intensified in the days leading up to the agreement, with the Dutch club initially holding out for a valuation closer to €55 - 60 million. However, financial pressures at Ajax, combined with Hato’s expressed desire to move to Stamford Bridge, paved the way for a compromise. The final deal includes a sell-on clause and performance-related bonuses, ensuring Ajax benefits from any future success Hato achieves in his career.

Jorrel Hato, a product of Ajax’s famed youth academy, has long been regarded as one of the most promising defenders in European football. Born in Rotterdam, Hato joined Ajax in 2018 after a stint with Sparta Rotterdam’s youth setup. His meteoric rise through the ranks culminated in a first-team debut in January 2023, at just 17 years old. Since then, he has amassed an impressive 111 senior appearances for Ajax, even captaining the side on multiple occasions.

Hato’s versatility is one of his standout attributes, making him an ideal fit for Chelsea’s tactical vision. Capable of playing as both a left-back and a centre-back, the Netherlands international brings positional flexibility to a Chelsea backline that includes the likes of Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, and Benoit Badiashile. His technical prowess, particularly in possession, has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite ball-playing defenders. In the 2024–25 Eredivisie season, Hato recorded an 89% pass completion rate, second only to PSV’s Richy Ledezma among full-backs, highlighting his composure and precision on the ball.

Despite his technical and positional strengths, analysts note that Hato has room for growth in physical attributes, particularly in aerial duels. However, his defensive instincts and ability to read the game have already made him a standout performer in Europe’s top leagues. Among Under-21 full-backs in Europe’s top seven leagues, Hato ranks first for aerial duels won, passes completed, and short passes completed, while also placing second for touches, deep completions, and forward pass accuracy. His statistical dominance underscores why Chelsea views him as a cornerstone for their defensive future.

Hato’s impending arrival is the latest chapter in Chelsea’s busy summer transfer window, which has seen the club prioritize young, high-potential talents to build a squad capable of competing across multiple fronts. The Blues have already welcomed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian, Kendry Paez, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr to Stamford Bridge, while parting ways with several players, including Joao Felix, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Djordje Petrovic. Hato’s signing aligns perfectly with Chelsea’s youth-first policy, which emphasizes long-term contracts for emerging stars who can grow into world-class players.

Under Maresca, Chelsea are preparing for a demanding season that includes Premier League, domestic cup, and Champions League commitments following their Club World Cup triumph earlier this year. The addition of Hato addresses a critical need for depth at left-back, where Marc Cucurella has shouldered a significant workload. Cucurella, who played over 4,300 minutes across 54 appearances last season, is expected to benefit from Hato’s arrival, which will allow Maresca to rotate his squad more effectively. Club insiders have revealed that Chelsea see Hato as a long-term partner and mentee for Cucurella, with the Spaniard poised to guide the young Dutchman through the rigors of Premier League football.

Maresca’s tactical philosophy, which emphasizes possession and fluidity, demands defenders who are comfortable with the ball at their feet and capable of contributing to build-up play. Hato’s ability to dribble, pass, and initiate attacks from deep positions makes him a tailor-made fit for this system. His experience in Ajax’s ball-dominant style further enhances his readiness to adapt to Chelsea’s approach, despite the step-up in competition.

Hato’s arrival is poised to make waves across the Premier League, where his potential to become a defensive linchpin is widely recognized. His six caps for the Netherlands senior team, earned since his debut in 2023, further highlight his readiness to compete at the highest level. At just 19, Hato’s ability to handle the pressures of captaining Ajax and performing consistently in the Eredivisie suggests he is well-equipped to handle the scrutiny and expectations at Stamford Bridge.