Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Dutch defensive starlet Jorrel Hato from Ajax, with the 19-year-old penning a long-term deal until June 2032. The transfer sees the Eredivisie giants receive a £37.5 million fee, as the Blues continue their aggressive recruitment of elite young talent.

Hato is widely regarded as one of the brightest defensive prospects in European football. Comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, he will add depth and competition to Enzo Maresca’s backline as the Blues prepare for the upcoming Premier League season.

Rising Dutch Star Joins Stamford Bridge Revolution

The versatile defender made his senior debut for Ajax in February 2023 at just 16 years and 335 days old — making him the third-youngest Eredivisie debutant in the club’s storied history. Since then, he’s racked up 75 first-team appearances and made his Netherlands senior debut in 2023, further cementing his status as a top-tier talent.

Ajax, needing to balance the books after two years outside the Champions League, opted to cash in on Hato despite his growing influence in the squad. The Amsterdam side will return to Europe’s top competition this season.

Chelsea Continue Summer Reshuffle

Hato’s arrival could signal the final stages of Chelsea’s summer transfer activity, though the club is still exploring options for a new attacker. Talks have taken place with the representatives of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, but no formal bid has been submitted.

At the same time, outgoings are expected, with Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson both attracting interest. Chelsea are reportedly open to offers for both, should the price be right.

Several players continue to train away from the first team, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Armando Broja, and Lesley Ugochukwu — with potential moves likely before the transfer window closes.