Chelsea Sign Ajax Star Jorrel Hato in £37m Deal

Chelsea Complete £37m Move for Ajax Defender Jorrel Hato

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of highly rated Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a £37 million deal, making him the club’s eighth signing of a blockbuster 2025 summer transfer window.

The 19-year-old Netherlands international has penned a seven-year contract with the FIFA Club World Cup champions after completing his medical in London over the weekend.

“I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here,” said Hato.

“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.”

A Rising Star from Ajax’s Academy

Hato, a product of Ajax’s famed academy, made his first-team debut at just 16 and went on to captain the side at 17. He has already amassed 111 senior appearances for the Eredivisie giants and earned six caps for the Netherlands since debuting in 2023.

Last season under Francesco Farioli, Hato showcased his versatility, playing 94% of his minutes at left-back in a 4-3-3 system. However, he spent the majority of his earlier career at centre-back, especially in Ajax’s 4-2-3-1 setup.

His elite-level experience and ability to play across the back line make him a valuable asset for head coach Enzo Maresca, especially with Ben Chilwell out of favour and Benoit Badiashile struggling with injuries last season.

Hato by the Numbers

• 111 games for Ajax by age 19

• Most minutes played by any player born after Jan 1, 2003 in Europe’s top 6 leagues (8,347)

• Made Eredivisie debut at 16 years and 335 days, third youngest Ajax player ever

• First Netherlands cap earned less than a year later

Chelsea’s Summer Rebuild Nears £250m

Hato’s arrival marks Chelsea’s eighth major signing of the summer. Here’s a look at their full list of new arrivals:

• Jamie Gittens – £48m from Borussia Dortmund (winger)

• Joao Pedro – £55m from Brighton (forward)

• Liam Delap – £30m from Ipswich Town (striker)

• Mamadou Sarr – £12m from Lyon (centre-back)

• Dario Essugo – £18m from Sporting CP (midfielder)

• Estevao Willian – £29m from Palmeiras (winger, signed in May)

• Kendry Paez – £17m from Independiente del Valle (joined this summer after turning 18)

Chelsea’s total spending under Maresca this window has now surpassed £250m, reinforcing a squad that will compete on multiple fronts including the Champions League.

Strategic Fit in a Crowded Backline

Despite Chelsea having seven centre-backs, only Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile are natural left-footers. Hato’s ability to play both left-back and centre-back brings much-needed balance and allows for greater tactical flexibility in Maresca’s system.

With Hato in the fold, Chelsea now have depth, youth, and versatility across their backline as they push for domestic and European success in the 2025-26 campaign.