Chelsea Completes Signing Of Ajax Wonderkid Jorrel Hato

‎Chelsea has officially announced the signing of former Ajax youth star Jorrel Hato.

‎The Blues reportedly paid €43 million for the 19-year-old defender, who has joined on a seven-year contract.

‎Jorrel Hato made his Ajax debut in February 2023 at just 16 years, 10 months, and 23 days old, becoming the fifth-youngest player to feature for the club. He later achieved the distinction of being the youngest captain in Ajax history.

‎Additionally, Hato became the youngest player to make at least 100 appearances for the team.

‎The left-footed defender ended his spell in Amsterdam with 111 appearances behind his name. Hato scored four goals and provided 10 assists for the Amsterdam giants.

‎Hato’s transfer fee of €43 million ranks him as the fifth most expensive player in Ajax history, matching the £43 million fee paid for Mohammed Kudus when he transferred to West Ham.

‎The Rotterdam-born defender joins a Chelsea squad that recently won the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.

‎The Blues are set to compete in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2023, when Real Madrid eliminated Chelsea in the round of 16.

‎Hato will compete with Marc Cucurella for the left-back spot, but can also play in the heart of the back line. There, he’ll have to compete against the likes of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Mamadou Sarr.

‎Jorrel Hato’s first appearance for Chelsea could come on August 8th, when the Blues host Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly at Stamford Bridge.

‎Chelsea will kick off their Premier League campaign on Sunday, August 17th, with a home match against Crystal Palace.