Chelsea move quickly to strike agreement with Jorrel Hato but Blues must cough up big transfer fee to complete signing of Ajax wonderkid

AFC Ajax v Eintracht Frankfurt - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg

Chelsea are reportedly pushing forward to finalise the signing of Ajax’s highly-rated defender Jorrel Hato, with the Premier League side now entering the latter stages of negotiations after reaching an agreement with the player on personal terms. While no deal has been reached between the two clubs yet, the transfer fee currently being discussed is in the region of €40 million (£35m/$47m).

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the young Dutchman has already informed Ajax of his intention to leave the club and join the west London outfit this summer. Talks are said to be progressing quickly as Chelsea aim to complete the move before rival clubs can re-enter the race for the Netherlands international.

Jorrel Hato

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chelsea had initially explored the possibility of signing Hato as early as last December. However, Financial Fair Play restrictions at the time meant the Blues had to offload players to balance the books before committing to major incomings. Now, with that groundwork done and squad space freed, Chelsea are moving decisively to seal the deal.

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Despite being just 19, Hato has already gained substantial top-level experience. A product of Ajax’s famed academy, he has featured 111 times for the senior team — a remarkable feat for someone his age. His ability to operate both at left-back and in central defence has made him a prized asset. The Dutchman is currently tied to a long-term contract at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, which runs until 2028. But Chelsea are determined to prise him away, seeing him as a future cornerstone of their defensive setup.

AFC Ajax v Besiktas JK - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD1

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal and Real Madrid had also been monitoring Hato closely, but Chelsea have surged ahead of the competition thanks to their aggressive approach. He is being touted as a key figure in the next generation of Dutch footballers and the Blues are making a concerted effort to snap him up as quickly as possible.

WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Hato’s arrival would be another statement of intent from a club eager to return to the top of English and European football after being crowned world champions in the United States. With negotiations now at an advanced stage and the player pushing for the move, all eyes will be on how quickly Chelsea can finalise terms with Ajax to get the defender in their ranks.