Chelsea Football Club has reached an agreement to sign 19-year-old Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato in a blockbuster £37 million deal, signaling another major move in their summer transfer campaign. The Dutch defender, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young talents, is expected to sign a seven-year contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032.
Pending approval from Ajax’s supervisory board, Hato is set to undergo a medical in London after receiving clearance to travel. Chelsea sees the versatile defender, who can play both left-back and center-back, as a key asset to bolster their backline and increase competition for defensive roles under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
Hato’s rapid rise has been nothing short of sensational. He made his senior debut for Ajax in February 2023 at just 16 years old, becoming the third-youngest player to appear in an Eredivisie match for the club. Since then, he has clocked 75 appearances and made his debut for the Netherlands senior national team in 2023.
The move comes as Ajax looks to recoup funds after missing Champions League qualification two years in a row. With their return to the elite European competition looming, the Dutch giants are restructuring financially, paving the way for Chelsea to swoop in for Hato.
Chelsea’s summer transfer strategy is in high gear. Hato will become their eighth signing of the window, with total spending now surpassing £250 million, balanced by player sales worth over £150 million. The Blues are reportedly still in the market for one more attacker and have initiated contact with representatives of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, though no formal bid has been made.
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Meanwhile, Chelsea is actively trimming the squad. Players like Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson are being considered for transfer, with Jackson potentially departing if a suitable offer is received. Several other players including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Armando Broja, and Lesley Ugochukwu, have been sidelined from the first team and are currently training separately as the club looks to finalize exits.
Here’s a rundown of Chelsea’s confirmed summer signings so far:
Jamie Gittens arrived from Borussia Dortmund for £48 million, bringing electric pace and goal-scoring ability on the wings.
Joao Pedro was snapped up from Brighton for £55 million after showcasing playmaking flair and finishing precision.
Liam Delap joined from Ipswich Town in a £30 million deal, adding strength and a new dimension up front.
Mamadou Sarr, a £12 million signing from Lyon, is viewed as a long-term defensive investment.
Dario Essugo, the tenacious Portuguese midfielder from Sporting CP, came in for £18 million.
Estevao Willian officially joined from Palmeiras in a £29 million deal arranged in May 2024.
Kendry Paez completed his £17 million move from Ecuador after turning 18.
With Hato now on the brink of becoming the club’s latest acquisition, Chelsea’s intent to build a youthful, dynamic squad for the future has never been clearer.
