Chelsea Reach Agreement to Sign Ajax Defender Jorrel Hato, Their Eighth Summer Signing

Chelsea have agreed a £37m fee with Ajax for 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato, subject to approval by the club's supervisory board.

Hato is set to sign a seven-year contract until 2032, having been cleared to travel to London for a medical. The versatile Dutchman can play at left-back or centre-back, adding depth to Chelsea's defence.

He made his Ajax senior debut in February 2023 at 16 years and 335 days old, becoming the club's third-youngest Eredivisie player. Hato has since made 75 appearances for Ajax and earned his first senior cap for the Netherlands in 2023.

Ajax's decision to sell Hato reflects their need to bolster finances after two seasons without Champions League revenue. They will return to Europe's premier club competition this season.

Chelsea are close to completing their transfer business but remain in the market for an attacker. They have held talks over RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons without making a formal bid. The club is also open to selling Christopher Nkunku and could consider offers for Nicolas Jackson.

A group of players are currently training away from first-team duties under Enzo Maresca, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu.

Other Chelsea signings this summer

• Jamie Gittens (£48m) from Borussia Dortmund – A dynamic winger known for his pace and direct play.
• Joao Pedro (£55m) from Brighton – A creative Brazilian forward with strong link-up play and finishing.
• Liam Delap (£30m) from Ipswich Town – A powerful striker with Premier League experience.
• Mamadou Sarr (£12m) from Lyon – A young centre-back bringing strength and composure.
• Dario Essugo (£18m) from Sporting CP – A tenacious midfielder who debuted at 16 in Portugal's top flight.
• Estevao Willian (£29m) from Palmeiras – A skillful Brazilian winger.
• Kendry Paez (£17m) from Independiente del Valle – An Ecuadorian teenager whose transfer was agreed last year and who joined Chelsea after turning 18.

Hato's arrival underlines Chelsea's strategy to invest in young talent, bolstering both immediate squad needs and long-term potential.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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