Chelsea Splash Record Cash as Jorrel Hato Becomes Latest Blockbuster Signing
Chelsea have confirmed the acquisition of 19-year-old Ajax centre-back Jorrel Hato, securing the Dutch talent on a seven-year deal running until 2032 in a transfer valued at €44.18 million (£38.5 million, $51.2 million)
"I'm incredibly thrilled, I'm delighted to be here. I considered my future carefully and wanted to progress to the next level in my career. Chelsea represents the perfect opportunity for me to achieve that, so I'm extremely pleased," Hato expressed during the official announcement.
Hato attracted global attention while developing as a left-back through Ajax's academy system. The talented defender holds the distinction of being Ajax's third-youngest debutant and remarkably captained one of football's most prestigious clubs at merely 17 years old. He featured in over 30 Eredivisie matches across each of the previous two campaigns, earning the Talent of the Year recognition last season. He has also earned six international appearances for the Netherlands senior squad.
Hato becomes part of a notable summer recruitment drive alongside João Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap as Enzo Maresca reshapes his roster entering his sophomore season as manager. Operating predominantly as a left-back, Hato accumulated 46 appearances last term for Ajax as the Amsterdam club secured second place behind PSV Eindhoven. Ajax also suffered elimination from the UEFA Europa League at the round of 16 stage against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Chelsea's combined expenditure on all new signings has exceeded €280 million (£244 million, $324.6 million), eclipsing the previous year's substantial investment with one month still remaining in the transfer window.
Several clubs pursued the Dutch defender's signature, including Arsenal, but Hato remained convinced about the optimal move for his development at this stage.
"Certainly it represented a significant choice. I spent seven years at Ajax and it felt like home—the supporters, the teammates, the staff, the atmosphere. So departing wasn't straightforward, but my instinct told me that now was the moment to advance to the highest level club competing in the premier tournaments, and for me this represented the correct choice at the perfect timing," Hato revealed in his inaugural interview on the club's official platform.
Chelsea confirmed Hato will link up with the FIFA Club World Cup winners this week as he begins adapting to his new environment. Demonstrating flexibility as both a full-back and central defender, Hato may contend for playing time across various positions in a squad anticipated to build upon their top-four finish and triumphs in both the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup.