England's Elliot Anderson in action with Netherlands' Jorrel Hato. (REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa)
Chelsea are continuing their aggressive rebuild under Enzo Maresca following a revitalising 2024/25 season. After lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League and securing Champions League qualification, the club is wasting no time in reshaping the squad to push for major honours.
So far, the transfer window has reflected a clear vision: invest in youth with high ceilings.
The Blues have already brought in a mix of emerging talent and proven potential, including Liam Delap, João Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Dário Essugo, and Brazilian wonderkid Estevão Willian, who arrives in 2025.
Now, another exciting young name is close to joining the Stamford Bridge revolution — one whose style and versatility could perfectly suit Maresca’s progressive, possession-heavy system.
Chelsea Close to Sealing Hato Move
According to a new report from The Athletic, Chelsea are nearing a deal to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax, in what would be another major step in their summer recruitment drive.
While a final agreement between the clubs has not yet been reached, talks are progressing well, with a fee of around £35 million, expected to be agreed upon soon. Crucially, personal terms with the player have already been settled.
Chelsea opened formal negotiations earlier this month, identifying Hato as a priority defensive target. The 19-year-old Netherlands international had previously been tracked by Arsenal, who considered a move back in January 2024 — but Hato instead signed a new five-year deal with Ajax last summer.
A product of Ajax’s renowned academy, Hato has already made 111 senior appearances and even captained the side — a rare feat for a teenager. In the 2024/25 season, he featured mostly as a left-back, though he is equally comfortable at centre-back, offering Chelsea vital flexibility.
Hato has drawn comparisons to Nathan Aké, a former Chelsea academy product known for his intelligence, versatility, and composure. Like Aké, Hato blends strong defensive awareness with an ability to drive forward and contribute in possession.
“If you play at the Ajax academy, you always get that bravery the coaches tell you to play with,” Hato once told The Athletic. “It’s one of my qualities to dribble past players and create a chance. There needs to be space to do it, but if there is space, I will always try to look forward for that.”
It’s a quote that embodies both Hato’s mindset — and Chelsea’s new footballing philosophy. Forward-thinking, bold, and technically gifted, he could prove to be another statement signing in a summer full of ambition at Stamford Bridge.
About the Author
