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News
- 4 hours ago
OFFICIAL: Chelsea complete signing of Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 3 Aug 2025 18:17 BST
- 4 min read
Breaking
Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato for a reported transfer fee of €43 million.
The Netherlands international has been in talks with Chelsea for several weeks and he has now signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge after successfully undergoing a medical at the club.
Current ETV
Jorrel Hato
D (L)
Ajax
Jorrel Hato
D (L)
Ajax
ETV Range
€41.6M - €50.8M
Arsenal and Liverpool were also linked with Hato in recent months, however Chelsea have won the race for his signature and he is expected to be utilised as cover for Marc Cucurella at left-back next season.
The 19-year-old is also capable of playing as a central defender, although reports speculate that he is likely to begin his Chelsea career as a full-back, with Enzo Maresca’s side eager to acquire a suitable back-up to Cucurella amid the uncertain futures of Ben Chilwell and Renato Veiga.
Hato has become the sixth-most expensive defender to ever join Chelsea and his contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2032.
The Dutchman made his Eredivisie debut for Ajax at the age of just 16 years and 335 days old back in February 2023, and he has left his boyhood club having racked up 111 first-team appearances, scoring four goals and providing nine assists.
He has six caps for the senior Netherlands side, while he captained his nation during the U21 European Championship this summer.
Upon confirmation of his move to Chelsea, Hato told the club's website: "I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here.
"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 so I’m very happy."
Jorrel Hato becomes latest Chelsea signing
Hato has become the eighth player to join Chelsea this summer, with the Blues having already completed the signings of Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Estevao Willian, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez.
Hato’s arrival follows the sale of academy prospect Ishe Samuels-Smith to Strasbourg, while his move to west London is likely to trigger several defensive outgoings.
Axel Disasi, Alfie Gilchrist and the aforementioned duo of Chilwell and Veiga are all expected to leave Chelsea on permanent deals this summer, with the club now well-stocked in defence thanks to the signing of Hato.
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