Chelsea have secured a deal worth over €40 million to sign Ajax’s highly-rated defender Jorrel Hato. After overcoming a valuation hurdle with the Eredivisie club, the 19-year-old is set to undergo his medical in London, becoming another key signing in Chelsea’s summer transfer spree.
Chelsea have officially reached an agreement with Ajax for the signing of highly-rated defender Jorrel Hato, with the deal set to exceed €40 million (£34.5m/$46m). The young Dutch centre-back, who has been one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in Europe, will undergo a medical in west London in the coming days, finalizing his move to Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old has impressed with his performances in the Eredivisie, and his development at Ajax has made him one of the most exciting talents in European football. However, negotiations between Chelsea and Ajax were not without their challenges. Ajax had initially held out for a significantly higher fee, but Chelsea’s persistence in negotiations has paid off, with the clubs ultimately finding common ground on a transfer fee that now stands at over €40 million.
This deal is yet another statement of intent from Chelsea, who have already been active in the transfer market this summer. The club has been building a squad that blends both youth and experience, and Hato’s arrival is part of their long-term vision to reinforce their defence. With Hato’s raw talent and impressive performances at Ajax, the Blues believe he will add valuable depth to their defensive options.
Hato’s move to Chelsea follows a growing trend of high-profile defensive signings made by top clubs across Europe, as teams look to strengthen at the back ahead of the new season. Chelsea, who have been active under new ownership, are keen to bolster their squad after a turbulent 2024-25 campaign that saw the team miss out on top-four qualification in the Premier League.
The young defender’s style of play has earned him comparisons to some of Europe’s top centre-backs. Known for his physicality, aerial ability, and strong tactical awareness, Hato is expected to contribute both in central defence and potentially as a future leader in Chelsea’s backline. His addition gives manager Mauricio Pochettino further options in defence as he seeks to build a balanced squad capable of challenging for silverware in the coming years.
Hato’s move to Chelsea also underscores the club’s commitment to investing in young talent. After a summer of heavy spending on a variety of signings, the addition of a player with a high ceiling like Hato fits well into their strategy of building a sustainable and competitive team for the future. His experience in the Eredivisie, where he has already made a significant impact, will help ease his transition into the Premier League, where expectations will undoubtedly be high.
With the transfer now confirmed, Hato will be hoping to make an immediate impact upon his arrival in London. He joins an already strong defensive unit at Chelsea, but with the club looking to rebuild and strengthen, his arrival could see him feature prominently in the first team as he looks to prove his worth in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s commitment to securing the signing of one of Europe’s top young defenders is clear. After overcoming initial fee disagreements, the Blues have landed another promising star for their future, and Hato’s potential at Stamford Bridge is immense.
