Chelsea are still enjoying themselves after having won the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title by defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
However, the Blues remain in the transfer market to improve their squad even after signing the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens to strengthen their frontline going forward.
It now looks like they are aiming to find improvements for their defensive depth and are interested in the prospect of signing AFC Ajax defender Jorrel Hato to add more quality to their backline going forward.
How Much Would Chelsea Need To Pay For Jorrel Hato Signing From Ajax?
Chelsea were able to keep a clean sheet in the Club World Cup final against PSG to prove their defensive strength against the very best.
However, they seem intent on adding more depth to their defensive line, as Fabrizio Romano has now reported that the London giants have agreed on personal terms with Jorrel Hato over a possible summer transfer.
It’s also claimed that the 19-year-old defender has personally asked Ajax if he wants to leave the club and venture on a new journey in the Premier League. He has reportedly told the club and their manager that he is determined to join Chelsea and try something new in his career.
Romano has also claimed that the two clubs are now actually in negotiations, which is moving towards the final stages as well. The world champions will reportedly have to pay the Dutch club a fee of around £34.8 million for the signing of the promising defender, who has already made his debut for the Netherlands senior team.
With Hato apparently pushing for a move to be completed, it seems that the Blues can get a deal over the line once they agree to pay that fee to Ajax and add another promising young player to Enzo Maresca’s squad as well.
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Why Are Chelsea Pushing for Jorrel Hato Signing?
Despite only being 19, Hato has already become a key player for Ajax and made 50 appearances across all competitions for the Dutch side last season.
He has eight goal contributions (two goals, six assists), being versatile enough to seamlessly play as either a left-back or even as a left centre-back for his side.
Hato helped Ajax keep 13 clean sheets in the 2024/25 Eredivisie campaign, helping them fight for the title before they just came up short in the race to PSV Eindhoven.
The 19-year-old is a vibrant, energetic figure at the backline who is capable of making an impact on both sides of the pitch.
Along with his eight goal contributions in the league last season, Hato also averaged 4.17 progressive passes and 60.54 passes per 90 minutes for Ajax. He was also able to prove his defensive prowess by averaging 2.02 tackles and 2.30 clearances per 90 minutes last season.
Considering that Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella averaged 2.86 clearances, 2.02 tackles and 3.55 progressive passes per 90 minutes in the 2024/25 Premier League, Hato’s stats almost match up to the Spaniard and show that the Dutchman can easily compete for that left-back spot at Chelsea.
Moreover, Hato’s versatile nature means he can also slot in as a centre-back whenever necessary, and his age means he will only get better going forward.
It now remains to be seen if Chelsea are able to seal this move and sign this energetic young defender to add more steel to their backline.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pro Shots
Recording Date: 24.07.2025