Chelsea agree deal for Ajax defender Hato

Jorrel Hato’s initial fee at Chelsea will be £37 million, subject to the Dutch club’s approval by the supervisory board.

After receiving the green light to travel to west London, the 19-year-old Dutchman is expected to agree to a seven-year contract that will run until 2032. He will also have the opportunity to get a medical.

Hato is regarded as a talented young option to challenge the backline, where he can play either at left-back or in central defense.

Hato, who was only 16 years and 335 days old when he made his senior debut for Ajax, became the club’s third-youngest player ever to play in an Eredivisie game in February 2023.

In 2023, he made his senior debut for the Netherlands and has made 75 appearances for the Eredivisie side.

After a two-year break from the Champions League’s significant revenues, Ajax have made the decision to sell him. This year, they’ll make a top-tier return to Europe’s top competition.

Chelsea are reportedly close to wrapping up their summer contract, but they are still looking for a replacement after speaking with RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons’ representatives without making a formal offer.

With Christopher Nkunku likely to leave, and with an openness to sell striker Nicolas Jackson for the right price, they are also trying to increase player sales.

With their spending totaling more than £250 million, which is balanced by more than £150 million in player sales, Hato would make Chelsea’s eighth summer addition to the squad.