Chelsea have reached an agreement with Ajax to sign highly-rated centre-back Jorrel Hato for an initial fee of £35.5 million, with further performance-based add-ons included in the deal.
The 19-year-old is expected to arrive in London in the coming days to undergo a medical and finalise a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge. Ajax had initially valued Hato at around £52 million, but negotiations led to a reduced up-front fee.
Hato was notably absent from Ajax’s squad for Sunday’s Como Cup final, choosing not to risk injury ahead of his impending move to the Premier League.
The Dutch defender fits Chelsea’s ongoing recruitment model of acquiring promising young talents on lower base salaries with incentive-driven contracts.
Hato’s versatility—capable of playing at both centre-back and left-back—makes him a valuable addition, particularly as cover for Marc Cucurella, who endured a demanding 2024/25 campaign with close to 70 appearances for club and country.
This move marks Chelsea’s seventh summer signing under new head coach Enzo Maresca, joining Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr at the club.
A Teenage Leader Ready for the Big Stage
Despite his age, Hato arrives in west London with an impressive pedigree. The Dutchman has already made over 100 senior appearances for Ajax, captained the side at just 17, and earned six caps for the Netherlands.
His maturity and ability to perform under pressure have become hallmarks of his young career. Whenever asked to step up, Hato has not only met expectations but often exceeded them.
With Chelsea facing a quick turnaround ahead of the 2025/26 season—fresh off their Club World Cup triumph—Hato adds both quality and depth to a squad aiming to challenge on multiple fronts.
This isn’t a move simply to bolster numbers; Hato is viewed as a genuine long-term prospect capable of thriving in the Premier League. Chelsea fans have every reason to be excited about one of Europe’s brightest defensive talents making Stamford Bridge his new home.