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Breaking
- 36 minutes ago
Jorrel Hato taking big risk with Chelsea move
Milan Keskin
- 26 Jul 2025 08:45 BST
- 4 min read
Analysis
Chelsea have already shown their willingness to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax this summer – and the Premier League giants are even ready to pay a premium to snap up the young Netherlands star.
Hato has the potential to be Enzo Maresca’s most important transfer of the summer, but from a personal perspective, the 19-year-old has to decide if Chelsea is the right club for him to reach his dizzying potential.
According to reports, personal terms have already been agreed between the West London club and the Ajax defender, who can play as a centre-back or on the left of the defence.
Transfer Rumour
Jorrel Hato
V (L)
Ajax
Jorrel Hato
V (L)
Ajax
Chelsea
There is no agreement between the clubs over a transfer fee, though. Chelsea are aware of Ajax’s demands but have so far been unwilling to match them.
According to CaughtOffside, Ajax are demanding €60 million for Hato, a figure previously mentioned by De Telegraaf. Chelsea believe this amount is high and have only tabled a bid of €50m. This currently leaves a €10 million gap between the two teams, putting in doubt the possibility of a deal.
Chelsea remain favourites to sign the player, but it’s far from a sure thing.
Hato must be careful with Chelsea move
A move to Chelsea would be a great step forward for Hato. The question is, however, whether Chelsea are the ideal club for him.
It's no secret that the Blues have become crazed participants in the transfer market in recent years under American owner Todd Boehly. Maresca currently has 43 players at his disposal and can field almost four different starting elevens.
It's no surprise, then, that SciSports data shows that Hato will struggle to earn playing time in London. Both as a central defender and left-back, the chances of actually getting on the pitch are slim.
Hato will have to compete with the likes of Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr at centre-back. Maresca also has two suitable options at left back in Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto, who is more typically used on the right.
Although Hato's playing style seems to perfectly match Maresca's needs, actually breaking into the team and playing promises to be a challenge in the near future.
Is Chelsea really a step forward then? In that regard, the defender would be wise to find an alternative. Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund could offer Hato the desired playing time at left-back. This would at least ensure the prodigious talent doesn't stall his development and get lost in Chelsea’s enormous squad.
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