Chelsea agree deal for Ajax defender Hato
Chelsea Complete Hato Deal: Young Defender Arrives for £37m
Dutch talent joins Blues on seven-year contract, bolstering backline options
Chelsea have secured the signature of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato in a deal worth an initial £37 million. The agreement is subject to approval from Ajax's supervisory board.
The 19-year-old Dutch international is set to sign a seven-year contract, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2032. He has already received medical clearance and is expected to travel to west London shortly.
Chelsea view Hato as a promising young talent who will add valuable competition to their defensive ranks. The versatile defender is capable of playing both left-back and in central defense.
Hato's rise through the ranks was meteoric. He made his senior debut for Ajax in February 2023 at just 16 years and 335 days old, making him the third-youngest player to ever feature in an Eredivisie game for the club. Since then, he has accumulated 75 appearances for Ajax and represented the Netherlands national team.
Ajax's decision to sell Hato stems from a need to raise funds after a two-year absence from the lucrative Champions League. The Dutch giants will return to Europe's top competition this season.
Chelsea's Summer Spending Spree Continues
Hato's arrival marks Chelsea's eighth signing of the summer transfer window, bringing their total spending to over £250 million. This investment has been partially offset by player sales exceeding £150 million.
The Blues have already brought in a number of high-profile talents this summer:
Jamie Gittens (£48m from Borussia Dortmund): A pacey and direct winger with an impressive track record at youth level.
Joao Pedro (£55m from Brighton): A creative and versatile forward who impressed in the Premier League last season.
Liam Delap (£30m from Ipswich Town): A powerful striker with Premier League experience.
Mamadou Sarr (£12m from Lyon): A promising young center-back known for his strength and composure.
Dario Essugo (£18m from Sporting CP): A tenacious midfielder who made his professional debut at the age of 16.
Estevao Willian (£29m from Palmeiras): A Brazilian winger with a knack for scoring goals.
Kendry Paez (£17m from Independiente del Valle): A talented Ecuadorian teenager signed in a deal agreed last year.
Chelsea Still Active in the Market
Despite their substantial summer activity, Chelsea remain keen to add another attacker to their squad. They have held discussions with the representatives of RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons but are yet to make a formal bid.
Further player sales are also expected, with Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson potential departures depending on the right offers.
A group of unwanted players, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and others, are currently training separately from the first team under Enzo Maresca's leadership.