Transfer News: World Champions, Chelsea Signs Jorrel Hato From Ajax

Chelsea signs Jorrel Hato from Ajax in the Dutch League, The talented centre back will be joining the World Champions on a long deal. 

Chelsea’s future left defender has been identified as 19-year-old Dutch international Jorrel Hato, who is on his way to Stamford Bridge.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea and Ajax agreed on a deal in excess of £40 million ($52.9 million) for the young defender, which includes a possible sell-on clause. Hato will travel to London this week to have a physical before signing a seven-year contract with the Blues. Personal terms had already been settled earlier this week.

Hato is an Ajax youth graduate who has played 111 Eredivisie games since his debut in 2023. Hato became Ajax’s youngest captain in history during the 2023-24 season, at the age of 17 years.

The adolescent has experienced a meteoric climb in his young career. He has already appeared six times for the Netherlands senior national team and has been praised for his potential as a young defender throughout Europe.

Chelsea urgently required depth at left back. Marc Cucurella led the Blues with 48 games last season, needing to play consistently in both the Premier League and the Conference League, since Chelsea lacked a viable alternative.

Hato joins Liam Delap, João Pedro, and Jamie Gittens as Chelsea’s new summer signings, following agreements with Estêvao Willian, Kendry Páez, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr.

The Club World Cup champions are bolstering their squad in preparation for a significant campaign in both the Premier League and the Champions League next season, with more signings expected at Stamford Bridge before the start of 2025-26.

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