CHELSEA COMPLETE £38M HATO SIGNING! BLUES BEAT COMPETITION TO LAND AJAX DEFENSIVE PRODIGY
Chelsea have completed the signing of highly rated Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal worth £38 million, with the 19-year-old becoming Enzo Maresca’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window. The move represents another bold investment in youth as the club continues to build a long-term foundation under its new manager.
Hato, who captained Ajax at times during the 2024–25 season, has been widely regarded as one of the most promising defenders in Europe. Comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, the teenager has drawn comparisons to elite ball-playing defenders for his composure, intelligence, and maturity beyond his years.
Chelsea moved quickly to wrap up the deal after fending off late interest from several top European clubs. Maresca was reportedly a key driver behind the signing, viewing Hato as a player who perfectly fits his tactical blueprint: composed in possession, strong in transitions, and tactically flexible across the back line.
Hato is expected to be integrated gradually into the first team, with Chelsea aiming to balance his development alongside more experienced defenders. However, given the club’s faith in emerging talent and a fixture-heavy campaign ahead, the Dutchman could feature prominently as early as this season.
His arrival brings Chelsea’s summer tally to seven new signings, as the West London side continues its aggressive rebuild following a season of managerial upheaval and inconsistent results. With Maresca now firmly in charge, the club’s recruitment is focused on players who can grow with the system, rather than short-term fixes.
The teenager has already undergone medical tests and signed a long-term contract. He will join Chelsea's pre-season preparations immediately and could make his first appearance in blue during their upcoming friendly fixtures.
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