Chelsea closes In: €40m+ deal for Ajax prodigy Jorrel Hato...

Chelsea is reportedly nearing an agreement with Ajax for the transfer of promising young defender Jorrel Hato. Although the two clubs are still negotiating the final transfer fee, a compromise is anticipated in the coming days for a sum expected to exceed €40 million (£34.8m; $46.7m). Significantly, personal terms have already been agreed with the 19-year-old Netherlands international, paving the way for his move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea initiated discussions with Ajax regarding Hato earlier this month. The young defender had previously been identified as a defensive target by Arsenal in January 2024 before he committed his future to Ajax by signing a new five-year contract last summer.

Hato has already made a remarkable 111 first-team appearances for Ajax and has even captained the side, showcasing his maturity and leadership qualities at a young age. In the 2024-25 season, he primarily featured as a left-back but also demonstrated his versatility by playing as a center-back.

He has earned six senior international caps for the Netherlands, further underlining his rapid ascent. Hato joined Ajax’s renowned academy in 2018 from Sparta Rotterdam and has been a consistent fixture in the first team since making his debut in January 2023.

This summer, Chelsea has been active in the transfer market, having already signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens. These additions join other players arriving on pre-existing agreements, including Estevao, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, and Kendry Paez. On the outgoing front, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke, and Djordje Petrovic are among the players who have permanently departed Stamford Bridge this month.

Analysis: Hato - A top defensive prospect

According to analysis by Andy Jones and Mark Carey, Jorrel Hato is considered one of Europe's most exciting defensive prospects, having consistently played for Ajax's first team over the past two seasons. A product of the famed Ajax academy, he is technically gifted and exhibits high confidence in possession. He is accustomed to playing in a ball-dominant system and is not afraid to be adventurous with the ball, whether through dribbling or utilizing his expansive passing range. For context, among Eredivisie full-backs last season, only PSV Eindhoven’s Richy Ledezma boasted a better pass completion rate than Hato’s impressive 89 percent.

At such a tender age, Hato is still physically developing, which is expected to further enhance his defensive capabilities. While already a solid one-on-one defender who reads the game well, there is still room for him to improve, particularly in aerial duels. His potential suggests he could become a cornerstone of Chelsea's defense for years to come.