Chelsea Intensify Pursuit of Jorrel Hato and Xavi Simons

Chelsea are working hard to sign Dutch stars Jorrel Hato and Xavi Simons. Reports say personal terms are settled for Hato, and talks for Simons are moving forward. Both players are keen on joining Stamford Bridge as negotiations between the clubs continue.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea bid for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, but Ajax rejected their first offer and sent a counter-offer back. The 19-year-old impressed in the Eredivisie over the last two seasons, playing as both centre-back and left-back. Chelsea value his versatility and believe he suits the style of new coach Enzo Maresca. Personal terms between Hato and Chelsea were agreed earlier this week, but the two clubs still need to agree on a transfer fee. Ajax is reportedly in talks with Chelsea regarding Jorrel Hato’s transfer as confirmed by recent updates. At the same time, Chelsea are in advanced talks with RB Leipzig for Xavi Simons, another Dutch international. Both players are said to be keen on joining Chelsea this summer, hoping to help the team fight for trophies in the upcoming season.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Chelsea are rebuilding after a 2024/25 campaign where they finished 4th in the Premier League, reaching Champions League qualification but failing to pose a threat to title contenders Arsenal and eventual winners Liverpool. Under new manager Maresca, the club is focusing on young, talented players who can grow together. Hato has been a regular starter for Ajax, while Simons had a good season at RB Leipzig, registering 8 goals and 11 assists in the Bundesliga. These transfers show Chelsea’s ambition to quickly return to the top of English and European football. Ajax, who finished 3rd in the Eredivisie last season, could lose one of their most promising players if a deal is reached. Leipzig also face a challenge replacing Simons, who was vital to their attacking play and helped them qualify for the Champions League the previous season, but couldn’t take the team to a better position than 7th place last time around, missing European qualification.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Negotiations between Chelsea, Ajax, and RB Leipzig are ongoing. The clubs still need to agree on transfer fees. Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace, while Leipzig start their new Bundesliga season facing champions Bayern Munich. Both Hato and Simons are expected to miss the opening matches for their current teams if a move materializes soon. Chelsea aim to finalize the deal for Jorrel Hato before the Premier League opener as noted in prior discussions. Chelsea remain determined to complete the double deal as they continue to reshape their squad for the challenges ahead. Their progress in the market will also affect how Ajax and Leipzig plan for their new seasons, as both teams are preparing for European and domestic competition with important fixtures on the horizon.