Chelsea have completed the £40m signing of Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, the 19-year-old defender poised to become one of Europe’s best. Hato’s technical brilliance, leadership, and versatility make him an ideal fit for the Premier League.
Chelsea have secured the signing of Ajax’s 19-year-old defensive prodigy Jorrel Hato, a move that looks set to bolster their backline with one of Europe’s most promising young talents. At just 19, Hato already boasts 111 senior appearances for Ajax and has been earmarked as one of the club’s next big stars. His potential is undeniable, and Chelsea’s £37 million ($49m) investment speaks to the belief that he is a player destined for greatness.
Hato’s rise through Ajax’s famed academy has been nothing short of meteoric. After joining from Sparta Rotterdam in 2018, he quickly became one of the most promising defenders in the Eredivisie. His breakthrough came during the 2022-23 season, where he impressed in several key matches and solidified his place in the first team. By the following season, with the departure of Jurrien Timber to Arsenal, Hato seized the opportunity, establishing himself as one of Ajax’s most consistent and reliable performers.
His versatility is one of the key reasons Chelsea have targeted him. Able to play both centrally and as a left-sided defender, Hato’s technical ability and football intelligence have earned him comparisons to the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Jurrien Timber. Hato’s ability to read the game, his passing accuracy (89% in Eredivisie last season), and his confidence under pressure make him an ideal fit for Chelsea’s defensive setup.
Despite his tender age, Hato was entrusted with the captain’s armband for Ajax during a Europa League clash against Brighton in November 2023, an indication of the immense trust his coaches place in him. His performances have not gone unnoticed at the international level, with Hato making his debut for the Netherlands senior team in 2023 and playing a pivotal role in their U21 squad during their run to the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
While Hato’s development has been rapid, there are areas where he can still improve. His aerial duels and one-on-one defending could use further refinement, and he sometimes relies too heavily on his stronger left foot. However, these are minor weaknesses that Chelsea’s coaching staff will likely address, and as he matures, Hato’s all-around game will undoubtedly improve.
Hato’s potential for growth is one of the key reasons why Chelsea are so keen on bringing him to Stamford Bridge. With Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella providing competition on the left, Hato’s ability to play across the backline will be invaluable. The Premier League may present a step up in intensity, but given Hato’s track record of thriving under pressure, it’s clear that he has the mentality to succeed.
With a contract at Ajax until 2026, it’s clear that Hato’s future lies at the very top of European football. Chelsea have provided him with a platform to elevate his game and make the jump from a promising talent to a world-class defender. The Blues will hope that the same qualities that made him an integral part of Ajax’s squad can help him make an immediate impact in England’s top flight.
