Chelsea Football Club’s pursuit of Ajax’s Jorrel Hato has gained significant traction in the 2025 summer transfer window, with reports indicating that the Blues have initiated official talks to secure the services of the 19-year-old Dutch defender.
Hato, a versatile and highly-rated talent, is seen as a key target to bolster Enzo Maresca’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League and Champions League campaigns. But what exactly can Chelsea fans expect from Hato if he makes the move to Stamford Bridge?
🚨🔵 EXCL: Chelsea have now made official club to club contact with Ajax for Jorrel Hato as next top priority! 🇳🇱
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 23, 2025
Hato, understood to be keen on the move and already prepared to accept personal terms at #CFC.
Negotiations ongoing with very good relationship between clubs. pic.twitter.com/4XPomaNDlM
A Rising Star from Ajax’s Academy
Jorrel Hato has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects since breaking into Ajax’s first team. Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Hato joined Ajax’s famed academy at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, making his senior debut at just 16. By the 2024/25 season, he had solidified his place as a regular starter, earning the Eredivisie’s Talent of the Year award after making 50 appearances for the Dutch giants. His performances have also earned him caps for the Netherlands national team, marking him as a player with a potentially world-class future.
Hato’s versatility is one of his standout attributes. Capable of playing as both a centre-back and a left-back, he offers tactical flexibility that aligns perfectly with Maresca’s system, which often demands adaptability from defenders. His ball-playing ability, composure under pressure, and defensive intelligence have drawn comparisons to modern defenders like Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol, making him an ideal fit for a Premier League side with ambitions of competing at the highest level.
Why Chelsea Want Hato
Chelsea’s interest in Hato comes at a time when the club is undergoing a defensive reshuffle. With Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, and potentially Axel Disasi expected to depart Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes on September 1, 2025, the Blues are in need of depth and quality at the back. Marc Cucurella has been a reliable option at left-back, but his heavy workload last season—featuring in 54 matches across all competitions—has highlighted the need for a capable backup and long-term successor. Additionally, while Levi Colwill has shone as a left-sided centre-back, his preference for a central role and occasional injury concerns for other defenders like Wesley Fofana underscore the need for reinforcements.
Hato’s ability to cover both left-back and centre-back positions makes him an attractive target. Chelsea’s sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, are reportedly prioritizing a deal for the teenager, with negotiations ongoing to secure him for a fee potentially ranging from £40m to £60m. The Blues’ recent financial windfall from their FIFA Club World Cup triumph—estimated at £97m—provides the resources to pursue such a high-profile signing.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hato’s skill set is tailor-made for the modern game. As a ball-playing defender, he excels at initiating attacks from the back, boasting an impressive passing range and confidence in possession. His ability to invert from left-back into midfield, a tactic favored by Maresca, could see him slot seamlessly into Chelsea’s system. During his time at Ajax, Hato has demonstrated a knack for progressive passing, often breaking lines to find teammates in advanced positions, which could complement Chelsea’s attacking talents like Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.
Defensively, Hato is astute and positionally aware, with a calmness that belies his age. Standing at 6 feet, he is physically capable of handling the demands of the Premier League, though he is still developing the robustness needed to compete against the league’s most physical forwards. His versatility allows him to adapt to different roles, whether as a traditional left-back, an inverted full-back, or a left-sided centre-back in a back three or four.
Hato’s youth also means he has significant room for growth. At 19, he is not expected to be an immediate starter but rather a long-term investment who can develop under Maresca’s guidance. His experience in the Eredivisie and European competitions, combined with his international exposure, suggests he is ready to take the step up to a club of Chelsea’s stature.
Challenges and Expectations
While Hato’s potential is undeniable, there are challenges to consider. Integrating into the Premier League, known for its intensity and physicality, can be daunting for young defenders, and Hato may need time to adapt. Additionally, competition for places at Chelsea is fierce. Marc Cucurella’s strong form at left-back and Levi Colwill’s emergence as a key centre-back mean that Hato may initially serve as a rotational player, particularly in cup competitions and less high-stakes league matches. The presence of other defenders like Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Wesley Fofana further complicates his path to regular first-team minutes.
However, Hato’s versatility could be his trump card. His ability to fill multiple roles provides Maresca with tactical options, especially in a congested fixture schedule that includes the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups. If Chelsea can negotiate a deal closer to the reported £40m mark rather than Ajax’s £60m valuation, Hato could represent excellent value for a player with his upside.
Potential Impact at Chelsea
If Chelsea secure Hato’s signature, fans can expect a player who brings energy, technical quality, and long-term potential to the squad. In the short term, he is likely to serve as a backup for Cucurella at left-back, offering a left-footed option that provides balance to Chelsea’s defense. His ability to invert into midfield could also add a new dimension to Maresca’s build-up play, allowing Chelsea to control possession against pressing teams.
In the long term, Hato has the potential to become a cornerstone of Chelsea’s defense. As Colwill and others age, Hato could transition into a starting centre-back role, forming a formidable partnership with the likes of Wesley Fofana or Josh Acheampong. His development trajectory suggests he could follow in the footsteps of other Ajax academy graduates like Matthijs de Ligt, who have thrived in top European leagues.
Fan and Pundit Sentiment
The prospect of Hato joining Chelsea has generated excitement among fans and pundits alike. Posts on X highlight the enthusiasm for his versatility, with users noting that he could be the “perfect cover” for Chelsea’s left-hand side. Journalists like Ben Jacobs and Fabrizio Romano have reported positive developments in negotiations, with Hato himself said to be keen on the move. However, some caution that his lack of guaranteed first-team football could be a concern, given the depth in Chelsea’s squad.
Conclusion
Jorrel Hato represents the kind of forward-thinking signing that has defined Chelsea’s transfer strategy under their current ownership. His versatility, ball-playing ability, and potential make him an exciting addition to a squad aiming to compete for major honors in the 2025/26 season and beyond. While immediate playing time may be limited, his arrival would signal Chelsea’s commitment to building a squad for the future, blending youth with experience. If the Blues can navigate Ajax’s steep asking price and finalize a deal, Hato could prove to be a transformative signing, offering both immediate depth and long-term star quality.
