There has been a lot of criticism regarding Chelsea’s transfer policy of bringing in highly rated youngsters over the past few transfer windows, as it has failed to show results as of yet. Despite the high spending and long-term contracts, the Blues will end yet another season without winning any major trophy and could even finish as low as tenth in the table if things go really south during the final matchday of the Premier League campaign.
Some of the Blues’ recent summer signings have seemingly struggled to cope with the pressure of playing for Chelsea.
Liam Delap being the prime example, as the Englishman has scored only once in the Premier League this season compared to his last season’s tally of 12 goals and two assists for Ipswich Town, even when they got relegated.
Jorrel Hato talks improvement at Chelsea
On the other hand, another of the Blues’ 2025 summer signings, Jorrel Hato, has seemingly got his Chelsea career back on track. It is probably a little too late for this season but with Xabi Alonso ready to take charge, the Dutch defender is already looking set for a phenomenal 26/27 season.
According to journalist Lloyd Canfield, Hato talked about his struggles upon arriving in London and how things have improved. He said:
“The first couple of months weren’t easy, it was a difficult time as a player.
“But in the last couple of months I’ve felt more myself and like I’m showing the quality I showed at Ajax.
“I think I’ve improved a lot and my confidence is growing now too.”
A look at Hato’s career so far
Hato was amongst a long list of summer signings last year alongside Delap, Joao Pedro, Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho. A majority of these players’ contributions could be under the scanner during the upcoming transfer window, following sub-par performances throughout the campaign.
As for Hato, the versatile defender, is now looking for a fresh start under the Blues’ dynamic new manager as we all know about the potential that the Dutchman possesses.
Before making the €45 million move from Ajax, Hato had already made 111 appearances for the Dutch side since making his senior debut back in 2023 and quickly became a fan favourite in Amsterdam. He was also on the radar of the Blues’ city rivals, Arsenal, before they decided to go for Cristhian Mosquera instead.
Hato looking for a turnaround next season
The 20-year-old certainly struggled to get into Enzo Maresca‘s starting line-up, although under Liam Rosenior, Hato seemingly started the final few games of the English manager’s short stint at Stamford Bridge. But unfortunately for the Dutchman, the Blues went through one of their worst losing streaks in recent history during that period.
In the eyes of many Chelsea fans, he has been the club’s best player in the second half of the season. That gives him a great platform to build upon.
Now as things stand, Hato is hoping to be amongst Alonso’s most trusted players next season following his strong displays during the closing periods of this campaign under interim manager Calum McFarlane.