Chelsea identify new priority target after OFFICIAL transfer announcement

Cameron Smith

18 May 2025 16:15 BST
4 min read

Chelsea have reportedly identified Ajax defender Jorrel Hato as their new priority target following confirmation of Dean Huijsen’s move to Real Madrid.

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The Spain international has been Chelsea’s preferred centre-back target for several weeks, but Bournemouth have officially announced that he will join Real Madrid in July after the Spanish giants agreed to trigger his €59.5 million (£50m) release clause.

Current ETV

Jorrel Hato

D (L)

Ajax

Jorrel Hato

D (L)

Ajax

ETV Range

€41.6M - €50.9M

As a result, Enzo Maresca’s side have been forced to pursue an alternative option amid their push to bring a new central defender to the club this summer.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been heavily tipped to secure a return to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, however Chelsea are instead set to target a move for the aforementioned Hato.

That is according to TEAMtalk, who claim that Chelsea are locked in internal discussions over a possible deal for the Netherlands international.

The Blues are set to contact Ajax in a bid to understand the conditions of a move this summer, although the Eredivisie side have reportedly already set their asking price at between €45-50 million.

Jorrel Hato to leave Ajax this summer?

AC Milan, Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in signing Hato this summer, as per TEAMtalk, but Chelsea are hoping to initiate talks with Ajax soon as they look to win the race for the Dutchman’s signature.

Hato, who made his first-team debut for Ajax at the age of 16, has racked up 111 senior appearances during his career so far, and Chelsea regard him as a key transfer target, largely due to his ability to play at both left-back and centre-back.

The Dutchman, who is now 19, has three years remaining on his current contract at Ajax, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at a career high of €46.3m.

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