Jorrel Hato Completes Chelsea Move In Record-Breaking Deal

Chelsea have signed Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, 19, with the player set to undergo his medical and sign a contract until June 2032. His contract includes an option for another year, solidifying his long-term commitment to the club, as reported earlier.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea and Ajax have finalized all documents for the transfer of Hato, who is now in London for his medical checks. He will sign a long-term contract lasting seven years. The transfer fee is reported to be around €43 million plus add-ons, making this one of the most significant signings of the summer window for the Blues. Hato had been attracting interest from other major European clubs, but Chelsea moved quickly to secure the young Dutch defender’s signature. This deal was facilitated after Ajax left Hato out of their squad, following his expressed desire to join Chelsea earlier this week.

WHY CHELSEA SIGNED HATO

Chelsea see Hato as an important addition to their defense. He offers both youth and versatility, having played 111 matches for Ajax since his senior debut in 2023. He is capable of playing at centre-back and left-back, which is key as Chelsea’s previous left-sided defensive options have faced heavy workloads—Marc Cucurella played over 50 games last season. This transfer aligns with Chelsea’s strategy under new manager Enzo Maresca to build a squad focused on young, developing talent. Last season, the Blues finished fourth in the Premier League, earning a Champions League spot while also winning both the Conference League and Club World Cup. The club’s ambitions for the 2025-26 campaign are high as noted in recent reports.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR HATO AND CHELSEA?

Hato will join Chelsea before the squad returns from their summer break. The Premier League kicks off with Chelsea hosting Crystal Palace on August 17. Fans could see Hato make his debut in one of the key fixtures of the season. With strong summer reinforcements, the club’s target is clear: return to Champions League football and challenge for England’s top honours. Ajax, meanwhile, will need to rebuild after finishing third in the Eredivisie, necessitating a strategic overhaul after losing one of their brightest stars.