Chelsea have completed the signing of highly-rated Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal reportedly worth £37 million, as the Premier League giants continue their summer rebuild under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Hato, 19, has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge and becomes the Blues’ eighth signing of the summer transfer window. A versatile defender capable of playing both as a centre-back and left-back, Hato brings top-flight and international experience to a Chelsea side preparing for a return to Champions League football this season.
“I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here,” said the Dutch international, who has been capped six times by the Netherlands since making his debut against Gibraltar in 2023. “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.”
Hato joined Ajax’s academy in 2018 from Sparta Rotterdam and signed his first professional contract at just 16. He went on to make 111 appearances and score four goals for the Eredivisie club, quickly establishing himself as one of Europe’s top young defenders.
Chelsea, the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions, have been active in the transfer market, with Hato joining new arrivals Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Mamadou Sarr, Dario Essugo, Estevao Willian, and Kendry Paez.
Maresca’s squad is now shaping up ahead of the new season, with Chelsea set to kick off their Premier League campaign at home against Crystal Palace on August 17.
Written By Rodney Mbua
