Chelsea have reached an agreement with Ajax for the signing of highly-rated Dutch defender Jorrel Hato in a deal worth an initial £37 million, pending final approval from the Dutch club’s supervisory board.
The 19-year-old is set to sign a long-term contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032.
Hato has been cleared to travel to London, where he is expected to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms with the Premier League side.
Primarily a central defender who can also operate effectively at left-back, Hato is regarded by Chelsea as a promising addition to bolster their defensive options and increase competition across the backline.
Hato made his senior debut for Ajax in February 2023 at just 16 years and 335 days old, becoming the third-youngest player ever to feature for the club in the Eredivisie.
Since then, he has amassed 75 senior appearances and earned his first cap for the Netherlands national team in 2023.
Ajax’s decision to cash in on the young defender comes amid financial pressures, having missed out on Champions League revenue for the past two seasons. The Amsterdam-based club, however, will return to Europe’s elite competition this season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s summer recruitment drive is nearing its conclusion. The club is still in the market for one more attacking player and has reportedly held talks with the representatives of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, though no official bid has been lodged.
On the outgoing front, Chelsea remain open to player sales. Christopher Nkunku is believed to be nearing a move away, while striker Nicolas Jackson could also be sold for the right offer.
Additionally, a group of players not in manager Enzo Maresca’s first-team plans are training separately.
This includes Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Armando Broja, and Lesley Ugochukwu—all of whom may be available for transfer before the window closes.