Chelsea’s move for Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato has hit a major hurdle after the Dutch club raised their asking price to €60m. With personal terms still not fully agreed, the Blues must now decide whether to push ahead or risk losing out on one of Europe’s most promising defenders.
Chelsea’s summer rebuild under Enzo Maresca has hit a major snag as their bid to sign Ajax prodigy Jorrel Hato has been complicated by a sudden price surge from the Dutch club. Despite being in advanced negotiations and reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with the 19-year-old defender, Ajax have now upped their asking price to €60 million (£52m/$70m)—a significant leap from the €40m (£34.7m/$47m) previously discussed.
Talks Progress, But Deal Hits Financial Standoff
The Blues had made steady progress in talks, with Hato reportedly eager to join and his representatives engaged in ongoing negotiations. But De Telegraaf reports Ajax are now demanding top dollar for a player they see as one of the Eredivisie’s brightest prospects, and a potential future captain.
That valuation has thrown a wrench into Chelsea’s plans. While the club remains intent on strengthening their back line—particularly with a left-footed, ball-playing defender who fits Maresca’s positional play model—paying €60m for a teenager with limited top-level experience is being viewed as a tough call, even by Chelsea’s lavish transfer standards.
Why Hato is in Demand
Hato’s appeal is clear. Calm on the ball, tactically intelligent, and capable of playing both as a centre-back and left-back, he’s been one of Ajax’s rare bright spots in a turbulent season. Despite being only 19, he’s already captained the side and made over 50 senior appearances, showcasing leadership and maturity well beyond his years.
Chelsea view him as a long-term building block in defence and are keen to wrap up the deal swiftly, especially with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool previously tracking the Dutchman. Hato has reportedly informed Ajax of his desire to join Chelsea, which gives the Blues some leverage, but Ajax are standing firm on their valuation.
Ajax Playing Hardball
From Ajax’s perspective, there’s no rush to sell. With Hato under contract and already a regular in the senior squad, they believe they can command a premium. The Dutch giants are also under pressure to re-establish themselves after a disappointing domestic campaign and see Hato as either a key piece of their revival—or a financial asset that must be maximised.
For Chelsea, the question now is whether they meet Ajax’s valuation or pivot to alternative targets. Given the club’s significant summer investment already, a €60m spend on Hato could raise eyebrows internally, especially with Financial Fair Play considerations still hovering.
Clock Ticking for Chelsea
The window is moving quickly and so is preseason. With Enzo Maresca aiming to bed in his tactical system ahead of the new campaign, the pressure is growing for Chelsea to finalise their defensive targets. If talks stall further, it could open the door for other suitors to re-enter the picture—especially Arsenal, who have kept tabs on Hato since last summer.
As things stand, the deal isn’t dead—but it’s now a test of Chelsea’s resolve and Ajax’s willingness to compromise. For a player many believe could become one of Europe’s elite defenders, the next few days could be decisive.
