Ajax Reject Chelsea's Opening Bid for Jorrel Hato, Fire Back with Counter-Proposal
Chelsea's initial offer for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato has been turned down, according to Dutch media reports, though the club has received a counteroffer in response.
The London side moved quickly in the transfer window, securing Liam Delap, João Pedro and Jamie Gittens to strengthen their attacking options before claiming the Club World Cup title and its accompanying financial rewards.
Returning to the transfer market, Chelsea are pursuing a deal for RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons while also reaching personal agreement with Hato, who has notified Ajax of his intention to join Stamford Bridge this summer.
However, negotiations with Ajax have proven challenging for Chelsea. ESPN reports that an initial offer was officially turned down by the Amsterdam club, who responded with their own proposal.
The exact transfer fee remains undisclosed, though reports suggest Ajax are seeking approximately €60 million (£52.2 million, $70.6 million). Chelsea are believed to have submitted an offer closer to €40 million (£34.8 million, $47 million).
Chelsea supporters were intrigued when Hato was omitted from Ajax's squad that defeated Celtic 5–1 in Thursday's pre-season match, despite being present at the training camp. Manager John Heitinga had earlier explained that Hato was among several players being rested following their delayed return to the squad.
"He remains an Ajax player," Heitinga stated post-match, while expressing doubt about Hato's participation in Sunday's final friendly against Monaco.
He added: "I cannot guarantee anything. Training sessions remain, and several days are still ahead."
Hato would address multiple needs within Chelsea's imbalanced roster. The Blues presently maintain nine senior centre-backs but rely solely on Ben Chilwell as Marc Cucurella's natural backup at left-back, after Chilwell spent the latter portion of the 2024–25 season on loan at Crystal Palace following his highly publicized exclusion by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.