Chelsea Agree Deal to Sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax

With the exception of final approval from Ajax’s supervisory board, Chelsea and Ajax have reached a complete agreement regarding the transfer of 19-year-old Netherlands international Jorrel Hato for a fee exceeding €40 million. After that approval is given, the defender, who has agreed to a seven-year contract with the Blues, will go to London for a medical.

In recent days, the clubs’ negotiations have intensified; according to reports, Chelsea is adamant about a valuation of €40–41 million, while Ajax originally wanted closer to €55–60 million. The clubs reached an agreement that includes a sell-on clause and performance-related bonuses as a result of growing financial pressure on the Dutch powerhouses and the player’s desire to join Stamford Bridge.

Hato, who came through the club’s youth system after an early stint with Sparta Rotterdam, has made 111 senior appearances for Ajax since making his debut in the first team. Despite his advanced age, he has worn the captain’s armband and made a name for himself as a vital member of the backline who can play both left and centre.

Many people consider the Dutch defender to be among the best defensive players in Europe. Hato, who is renowned for his poise with the ball and deft passing, finished the previous Eredivisie season with an 89% pass completion rate, which was second only to PSV’s Richy Ledezma among full-backs. Analysts think he has room to grow physically, especially in aerial duels, even though his positional and technical play is already mature.