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Jorrel Hato completes his transfer to Chelsea from Ajax as Enzo Maresca lands seventh summer signing.
Chelsea have officially unveiled Dutch defensive prodigy Jorrel Hato as their latest summer acquisition, securing the 19-year-old on a seven-year contract reportedly worth €43 million.
After weeks of speculation and drawn-out negotiations, the London club confirmed the signing of the highly-rated teenager from Ajax, tying him down until 2032. Hato, widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in Dutch football, becomes Chelsea’s seventh senior signing of the summer transfer window.
Speaking to the club’s official media, the Netherlands international expressed his delight at joining the Blues:
“I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here. I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I’m very happy.”
Jorrel Hato is officially a Blue. 🔵✍️ pic.twitter.com/j1d1o88yWu
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 3, 2025
Hato made history at Ajax when he became the third-youngest player ever to debut for the senior team in the Eredivisie at just 16 years old. His maturity and composure have since made him a standout figure in Dutch football, attracting interest from several top European clubs.
He is expected to join up with Enzo Maresca’s squad for pre-season training this week as he begins his integration into the Premier League side. Hato’s versatility allows him to operate as a centre-back or left-back, where he will compete with the likes of Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Trevoh Chalobah for minutes.
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Hato’s first potential outing in blue could come on August 8, when Chelsea face Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in a high-profile pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge. The Blues kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace on Sunday, August 17.
Alongside Hato, Chelsea have already bolstered their squad this summer with the arrivals of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, and Kendry Paez, signalling a youth-driven rebuild under new boss Maresca.
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