Chelsea have finalized the transfer of 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato, securing his services on a seven-year contract following a £37 million agreement with Ajax.
Chelsea Football Club has officially confirmed the acquisition of highly regarded Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax, marking their eighth major signing of the current transfer window under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
Who is Jorrel Hato
At just 19 years old, Jorrel Hato is already seen as one of the brightest young talents in European football. Known for his maturity and leadership qualities, he made headlines after captaining Ajax at the remarkably young age of 17. His consistent performances and versatility on the pitch quickly caught the attention of several top clubs across Europe, including Arsenal and Liverpool. However, it is Chelsea who have ultimately secured his signature in what is being described as a strategic and long-term investment.
How much did Jorrel Hato sign?
The promising defender joins the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions in a deal reportedly valued at £37.5 million. Jorrel Hato has signed a seven-year contract with the London side, committing his future to the club until the summer of 2032.
In his first official statement as a Chelsea player, Hato expressed his excitement about the move, saying: “I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here. I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that, so I’m very happy.”
A naturally left-footed player, Jorrel Hato brings both composure and flexibility to Chelsea’s backline. He is proficient at playing both as a central defender and a left-back, which aligns well with Maresca’s tactical setup that emphasizes ball control and positional fluidity.
Jorrel Hato faces Chelsea in past games
While Chelsea were competing at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, Jorrel Hato was leading the Dutch squad at the UEFA Under-21 European Championship. His growing experience at the international level is further underscored by his inclusion in the Netherlands senior national team, where he has already earned six caps—a remarkable feat for someone his age.
His standout performances in the Eredivisie last season earned him the prestigious Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year Award, given to the most outstanding young player in the Dutch top flight. This accolade places him in elite company; past recipients include fellow Dutch international Xavi Simons, who is also currently on Chelsea’s transfer radar.
The Blues are reportedly still in talks with RB Leipzig in hopes of bringing Simons to Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old forward has expressed interest in a move to the Premier League, and Leipzig are believed to be open to negotiations. Chelsea aim to finalize the deal ahead of the 2025/2026 Premier League season, which kicks off in less than two weeks.
With Jorrel Hato now officially part of Chelsea’s long-term project, the club continues to build a squad of young, high-potential players who can contribute immediately and develop further under the club’s evolving football philosophy.
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