Chelsea have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of highly-rated Dutch teenager Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal valued at approximately £37 million. The 19-year-old defender has penned a seven-year contract with the Premier League giants, becoming the club’s eighth signing of a busy summer transfer window.
Capable of playing both as a central defender and at left-back, Hato brings versatility and maturity beyond his years. Despite his young age, he has already made a significant impact at the top level, having earned six caps for the Netherlands national team and racked up over 100 senior appearances for Ajax.
Hato expressed his delight after sealing the move, describing the opportunity to join Chelsea as the “best step” for his development. “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,” he said.
Having begun his football journey at Sparta Rotterdam, Hato joined Ajax’s youth academy in 2018. He signed his first professional contract with the Dutch giants at the age of 16 and has since established himself as one of the most promising defenders in European football. His international debut came in 2023 during a match against Gibraltar.
Hato joins a Chelsea side gearing up for a demanding season under new head coach Enzo Maresca. The London club, who won the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year, will be competing in both the Premier League and Champions League. Maresca has been actively reinforcing his squad to handle the dual challenges, with Hato becoming the latest addition.
The Blues had already brought in Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Mamadou Sarr, Dario Essugo, Estevao Willian, and Kendry Paez in what has been a busy summer of recruitment.
Chelsea kick off their Premier League campaign at Stamford Bridge against Crystal Palace on August 17, with Hato expected to be part of a youthful and energetic squad aiming to make a strong impression both domestically and in Europe.
