**Chelsea**‘s bid for Jorrel Hato is gaining strength as the club is about to enter formal negotiations with Ajax about a possible summer transfer. The 19-year-old defender has become one of Europe’s brightest young stars, and Chelsea look set to act fast to bring him on board. After a series of inconclusive informal talks between the two teams, the latest reports indicate that talks may go to an advanced level shortly, with Ajax willing to engage and Chelsea keen to complete a deal.
Chelsea have been long-term admirers of Hato, initially expressing interest in January. Dutch media suggests that there have already been informal discussions between Ajax technical director Alex Kroes and a Chelsea official. Although those early talks didn’t go anywhere at the time, it is expected that serious negotiations will now get underway.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Chelsea “will sit down” with Ajax soon to discuss the terms of a potential deal. Despite Hato being worth €30m to Transfermarkt presently, a fee of around €50m is expected considering his age, experience, and upside. Such a transfer would be in line with Chelsea’s focus on constructing a team around young, ceiling-high players.
🚨 Ajax are willing to sell Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato this summer, with Chelsea considering a move for the 19-year-old.
(Source: Kick-off podcast) pic.twitter.com/unSUL8xN2q
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 4, 2025
Jorrel Hato’s Role in Chelsea’s Defensive Plans
Hato’s versatility makes him an excellent choice in today’s transfer market. While an exclusive centre-back in nature, he is also adept at playing left-back—a quality that brings immense value in light of Chelsea’s current defensive strength.
Enzo Maresca’s immediate options are a combination of seasoned centre-backs and full-backs, with the club continuing to evaluate the futures of players such as Benoît Badiashile, Levi Colwill, and Ben Chilwell. In contrast to other rumoured targets such as Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi—both conventional centre-halves—Hato offers versatility that might make him an unusual asset in Maresca’s developing system.
Chelsea, Liverpool and others are waiting on Dean Huijsen’s decision over his next move. If he chooses elsewhere, both Chelsea and Liverpool view Jorrel Hato as their top alternative. pic.twitter.com/siZTrUHBii
— Transfer News (@TransfersLlVE) May 11, 2025
Considering Chelsea’s existing team profile and Financial Fair Play issues, there’s little chance the club would sign up to spend several top-class defenders over the summer. That means Hato poses this question: is he a primary target signing or a contingency for when others are not forthcoming? Or can we see him as a two-role, value-for-money signing with a longer-term outlook?
Youth-Focused Vision Continues
Hato’s possible signing would perfectly fit Chelsea’s policy of bringing in young players, which has witnessed the club spend big in acquiring promising players such as Malo Gusto, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Andrey Santos in recent transfer windows. Already with some impressive first-team football at 19, Ajax center-back Hato has established himself as an automatic Eredivisie starter, with some appearances in European competitions. The club’s desire for young, multi-functional players is evidence of a wider change under the present ownership—long-term squad construction versus short-term solution. Hato checks all the boxes: technically adept, physically prepared, and tactically versatile.
With the transfer window looming and crucial decisions imminent, Chelsea’s pursuit of Hato is one to monitor intently. If negotiations move as predicted, the Dutchman will be one of the first in at Stamford Bridge this summer. His signing would not only bolster the Blues’ defense but also reinforce the club’s strategic purpose in the market—acquiring players who can contribute immediately and develop into top-flight performers down the line.
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