Chelsea Agree €40m Deal for Ajax Star Jorrel Hato, Defender Travels to London for Medical
Story: Reported by Okafor Joseph and Rita Uzuh for SpringnewsNG Media Limited.
London, UK – July 31, 2025: Chelsea have reached a full agreement with Ajax to sign highly-rated Dutch defender, Jorrel Hato, in a deal worth over €40 million (£34.5 million), according to reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The 19-year-old Netherlands international has been authorised to travel to London to undergo a medical ahead of his long-term move to Stamford Bridge, with a contract set to run until the summer of 2032, including an option for an additional year.
Chelsea Secure Breakthrough in Negotiations
After several days of discussions, Chelsea and Ajax reached a transfer breakthrough, paving the way for the versatile defender to complete his switch to the Premier League.
Hato, a product of Ajax’s famed youth academy, has made 111 senior appearances for the Dutch giants, impressing with his composure, versatility, and ability to play both as a centre-back and left-sided defender.
Boost for Enzo Maresca’s Defence
Hato’s arrival will provide Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca with much-needed defensive depth as the club continues an aggressive summer transfer window.
The young defender can operate as a left-back or centre-back, offering competition to Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, and Marc Cucurella. His signing could impact the futures of Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah, while Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga are expected to leave before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea’s Busy Transfer Window Continues
Hato becomes the latest high-profile signing for Chelsea this summer, joining Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Dario Essugo, and Estevao as the Blues continue their squad rebuild under Maresca following their Club World Cup triumph.
Pending a successful medical, Hato will officially be unveiled as a Chelsea player in the coming days, as the club aims to fortify its defence for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
