Chelsea Agree Deal to Sign Ajax’s Jorrel Hato in Long-Term Move
Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax for an initial fee of £37 million, according to multiple reports. The 19-year-old is set to sign a seven-year contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2032.
Hato will travel to the UK in the coming days to complete his medical and finalize the formalities of the transfer. He becomes another major addition to Enzo Maresca’s evolving squad ahead of Chelsea’s return to the Champions League.
A Prodigy in Dutch Football
Hato’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. He made his senior debut for Jong Ajax in October 2022, just two months shy of his 17th birthday, coming on as a substitute against FC Dordrecht. His first appearance for Ajax’s senior team followed shortly after, in a Dutch Cup match against Den Bosch in early 2023.
Within months of breaking into the first team, he was awarded Ajax’s Talent of the Future trophy – a prestigious accolade named after Abdelhak Nouri, a former Ajax prospect whose career was tragically cut short due to a heart condition. Previous winners of this award include Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, Christian Eriksen, and Ryan Gravenberch—a testament to Hato’s immense potential.
Breaking Records and Leading by Example
Despite his youth, Hato quickly emerged as a key figure at Ajax. During the 2023/24 season, he was named one of the club’s vice-captains, a rare honour for a teenager. In December 2023, he made history when he captained Ajax in a Europa League fixture against AEK Athens. At just 17 years and 282 days old, he became the youngest player ever to captain a side in a European competition.
A natural left-sided centre-back who can also operate at left-back, Hato is known for his maturity, composure on the ball, and leadership qualities—traits that are increasingly difficult to find in defenders of his age.
International Experience and Background
Born in Rotterdam, Hato is of Curacaoan, Cape Verdean, and Dutch descent. He has represented the Netherlands at every youth level and made his senior international debut in November 2023 in a Euro qualifier against Gibraltar, where he replaced national team captain Virgil van Dijk at half-time.
His progression through the Dutch system and quick promotion to the senior squad highlight his status as one of the most exciting defensive prospects in Europe.
What Hato Brings to Chelsea
Hato’s arrival further strengthens Chelsea’s defensive unit, giving Enzo Maresca more depth and flexibility in a back line that already includes Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, and Benoît Badiashile. With Ben Chilwell’s fitness remaining a concern and tactical shifts on the horizon, Hato’s ability to operate both centrally and wide will be a valuable asset.
Chelsea fans will be eager to see their newest signing in action during pre-season, with his debut potentially coming in the friendly against Bayer Leverkusen on August 8.
ChelseaBrief Summary
Jorrel Hato is not just another signing—he’s a symbol of Chelsea’s forward-thinking recruitment strategy. With experience, leadership, and high potential at just 19 years of age, the Dutchman looks set to be a key part of the club’s long-term plans.
Stay tuned to ChelseaBrief.com for more updates on transfers, pre-season fixtures, and squad developments ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Chelsea Agree Deal to Sign Ajax’s Jorrel Hato in Long-Term Move
