Chelsea Complete Signing Of Ajax Defender Jorrel Hato For €43 Million

Chelsea has signed Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax for €43 million. The 19-year-old agreed to a seven-year contract, which runs until June 2032 with an option for another year.

TRANSFERS: WHAT HAPPENED?

Jorrel Hato‘s transfer from Ajax to Chelsea is now confirmed after both clubs agreed. Hato completed his medical and signed a seven-year deal. He is Chelsea’s fourth summer signing after Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, and Joao Pedro.

Hato played 111 games for Ajax’s first team, scoring four goals in his career. He was part of the team that finished second in the Eredivisie last season. At Ajax, he also won the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year award for the 2024-25 season, marking him as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders.

HATO’S RISE: WHY CHELSEA SIGNED HIM

Despite being only 19, Hato has captained Ajax and played for the Dutch national team. He is versatile, able to play both left-back and center-back. This gives Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca valuable options in defense.

Hato’s arrival is likely to increase competition on the left side of defense, especially with Marc Cucurella, whom Chelsea values and has no intention of selling according to sources. Chelsea struggled for consistency last season, ending fourth in the Premier League and qualifying for the Champions League but failing to be a real title challenger.

The club’s active moves in the transfer market show a strong intent to rebuild, with Hato’s signing seen as part of this effort.

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND HATO?

Hato may debut for Chelsea as soon as next week, when the Blues are expected to play either Bayer Leverkusen or AC Milan in a pre-season friendly. Chelsea’s Premier League campaign is set to start soon, with their first game against Crystal Palace on August 17, and they aim to improve from last season’s fourth-place finish.  Meanwhile, Ajax will now be without one of their key young leaders as they aim to recover from their disappointing season in the Eredivisie.