Chelsea Strike Deal to Land Promising Dutch International Star

Chelsea have secured their future left-back solution with 19-year-old Netherlands international Jorrel Hato set to join the club at Stamford Bridge.

The Athletic confirms that Chelsea and Ajax have reached a deal worth over £40million ($52.9 million) for the promising defender, which includes a sell-on clause for future transfers. Hato is expected to arrive in London this week for his medical examination before putting pen to paper on a seven-year deal with the Blues. Terms for his personal contract were finalized earlier this week.

Hato emerged through Ajax's youth system and has made 111 appearances for the Dutch club since his first-team breakthrough in 2023. In the 2023–24 campaign, Hato made history by becoming Ajax's youngest-ever captain at merely 17 years of age.

The young talent has experienced a remarkable ascent in his brief career. He has already earned six caps for the Netherlands senior squad and is widely recognized for his defensive promise throughout Europe.

Chelsea were in urgent need of left-back reinforcements. Marc Cucurella shouldered the burden with 48 matches last season, featuring consistently in both Premier League and Conference League fixtures due to the lack of adequate cover.

Hato becomes part of Chelsea's summer recruitment alongside Liam Delap, João Pedro and Jamie Gittens, with the club having previously secured agreements for Estêvao Willian, Kendry Páez, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr.

The Club World Cup winners are strengthening their squad as they aim to mount serious title challenges in both the Premier League and Champions League next term, with additional acquisitions anticipated at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2025–26 season.