Last year, he and Ajax Amsterdam resisted offers, but now Jorrel Hato is moving to Chelsea FC—and will play in the same city as his idol.
Young players, long contracts, and no fear of high transfer fees: Chelsea FC is reinforcing its costly and personnel-intensive transfer policy with the signing of Jorrel Hato.
The 19-year-old left-back, who can also play in central defense, is moving from Ajax Amsterdam to the reigning club world champions for a reported €40 million, who have signed him to a seven-year contract until 2032, as is now customary.
Hato had already been courted by numerous clubs last year, but remained loyal to Ajax, a decision that neither side is likely to regret. The Dutch record champions, who had fallen from grace at the time, made an impressive comeback, even if they did let the title slip away at the last moment. And Hato further increased interest in him with consistent performances.
The six-time Dutch international, who had previously been trained in his hometown by Sparta Rotterdam, joined Ajax in 2018 and developed into one of the club’s most promising talents in recent years. He made his professional debut at the age of 16 years and 310 days, and at 17 years and 282 days, he became the youngest captain in Ajax history.
Chelsea is once again approaching the €300 million mark
Hato impresses above all with his passing accuracy and composure on the ball, and he also scored eight points (2/6) in 31 Eredivisie games last season. Now the left-footed player feels ready to make the move to the Premier League – just like his idol did two years ago: Hato once described his former teammate Jurrien Timber, who moved from Ajax to Arsenal in 2023, as his “mentor” and someone he “always looked up to.” From now on, he will be playing with him in the same league and city.
Chelsea, which has also snapped up Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund), Joao Pedro (Brighton), and Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), among others, is once again approaching the €300 million mark in this transfer window after its latest signing, but has also already generated around €150 million in transfer fees.
Meanwhile, Ajax Amsterdam is keen to fill the gap left by Hato’s departure with Ko Itakura from Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, other clubs are also interested in the Japanese player.