As per latest news, former Chelsea star Ruud Gullit is having doubts over Blues’ signing of Jorrel Hato last summer.
Ruud Gullit Raises Doubts Over Chelsea As Development Ground
Ruud Gullit has never been shy about sharing his views on Chelsea. Now, this time his focus is on summer signing Jorrel Hato. The former Chelsea player and manager is not convinced about the move. He is having doubts on whether Stamford Bridge is the right place for the young defender to grow into his full potential. The Blues signed Hato from Ajax last summer in a deal worth an initial £35.5m. That was a clear sign of how highly the club rates him. The Dutch international arrived with a strong reputation. He is widely seen as one of the best young defenders in Europe. With that, expectations were high from day one. This comes especially given Chelsea’s need for depth and balance at the back.
Speaking on Tribal Football, Gullit said: “I had doubts about his transfer to Chelsea,”
“He was one of the best young players in Holland. Sometimes it’s better to stay longer and gain experience. He was captain at Ajax at such a young age, but Ajax were struggling.
“He saw it coming and thought it was the right time to leave. I don’t know if Chelsea is the right club for his development.”
Hato was brought in mainly to offer cover for Marc Cucurella at left back. That is a role that Chelsea had struggled to fill with consistency. Given that, the signing seemed like a good move. The squad needed a strong option who could step in without a big drop in quality. Hato has done that whenever he is called upon. He has show calmness throughout the game and maturity beyond his years.
Chelsea is a club where pressure comes as part of the business. Young players are judged quickly, and competition for places is fierce. For a 19-year-old defender moving to a new league, this can be tough.
🎙️Ruud Gullit on Jorrel Hato’s transfer to Chelsea: "I had doubts about his transfer to Chelsea. He was one of the best young players in Holland, and sometimes it’s better to stay longer and gain experience.”
“He was captain at Ajax at such a young age, but Ajax were… pic.twitter.com/SwccdOZlWQ
— Blue Season Daily (@BlueSeasonDaily) January 18, 2026
Limited Minutes Under Maresca And A Change Under Rosenior
Hato’s season so far shows the mixed picture Gullit is pointing to. He has made 14 appearances in all competitions. On paper, the numbers look decent. However, under former head coach Enzo Maresca, his minutes were limited. He was hardly used and often rotated in and out rather than trusted in key moments. For a young player trying to settle, this stop-start trend can be frustrating. It makes it harder to build confidence and find consistency.
Although, things have changed since Liam Rosenior took charge. Under the Englishman, Hato has featured in all three games so far. Early signs suggests that Rosenior trusts him more and is willing to give him responsibility. Trust from a manager can make a huge difference. That is especially for a defender still learning the level of Premier League. It allows the player to play with freedom rather than fear.
Hato’s first goal for the club came against Charlton. That was a moment that felt very important for the player. Though, goals are not his main job. But, scoring can lift belief and help a young player feel settled. Rosenior was impressed by what he saw in that game. He praised the team’s effort and attitude. Still, the bigger question remains about what comes next.
Chelsea’s remaining half of the season will bring tough run of games. Whether Hato continues to feature when pressure rises will say a lot about his future. Gullit is having doubts over the young player’s path towards growth as well. So far, the trust from the club is encouraging. But, a player’s development depends on what happens over the long term and not just in weeks.
Big Talent, Big Club, And A Crucial Second Half Of The Season
Jorrel Hato’s situation now sits at a crossroads. There is no doubt that the West London club clearly believe in his quality. Because a £35.5m fee and a move from Ajax at such a young age shows that belief. He has already filled a key gap in the squad. He is stepping in when needed and showing why he was so highly rated in the Netherlands. Few 19-year-olds arrive in the Premier League with this level of expectation and responsibility.
Gullit’s comments do not doubt Hato’s ability. Instead, they put a light on the challenges of developing at a big club like Chelsea. The second half of the season will likely be key. Hato has momentum after scoring against Charlton and earning praise from the new boss. He needs to keep his place and continue to play regularly. With that, the Blues could yet prove to be the right place for his growth.
For Chelsea, this is also a test of direction. The club has invested heavily in young players. They are often speaking about long term plans for these players. So, giving Hato real chances would support that vision. On the other hand, if he slips back and gets ignored, Gullit’s doubts may feel justified.
At the end, the spotlight will grow with the upcoming games. Hato’s every appearance will be watched and every mistake will be judged. This is the reality of playing for Chelsea. Only time will tell whether the Dutch star thrives or struggles in this environment. That will define not just his season, but perhaps his future at the West London club.
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