Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal worth €46.5 million.
The highly-rated Dutch international has signed a long-term contract that runs until 2032 and will link up with his new team-mates later this week.
“I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here,” Hato told Chelsea’s official website.
“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.”
Despite being just 19, Hato already boasts significant experience at senior level, with more than 100 appearances for Ajax and six caps for the Netherlands.
In 2023, he became the youngest player in the club’s history to captain the Amsterdam side at just 17.
Capable of playing both at centre-back and left-back, his versatility and composure have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after defensive prospects.
Hato had previously attracted interest from several of Europe’s top clubs, including Arsenal, but Chelsea have now won the race for his signature.
Ajax technical director Alex Kroes admitted it was difficult to see the young defender leave but expressed pride in his development:
“With the transfer of Jorrel, we lose one of our pillars in defense,” Kroes said.
“He is not only a very great talent and a good player, but he also has a very good character and personality. We would have preferred to keep him for at least another year, but we understand that he has now set his sights on this wonderful adventure that awaits him in the Premier League.
“We wholeheartedly wish him this new challenge and are proud of what he has done for Ajax and wish him every success in England.”
Hato joined Ajax’s academy from Sparta Rotterdam in 2018 and signed his first professional contract at 16.
The move adds another talented young player to Chelsea’s squad ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season, which begins on August 17 with a home match against Crystal Palace.
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2025-08-03 19:53:15
