Chelsea have lost no time rebuilding following their failure to secure Dean Huijsen. The Blues are looking to target a new defender on the opening of the new transfer window. Chelsea are currently prioritizing the signing of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. The desire is to complete the deal early before other clubs make their move.
Huijsen, who Chelsea had pursued in some depth, recently chose a switch to Real Madrid over Premier League approaches. The choice left Chelsea short on one of their priority centre-back targets. Defensive support is viewed as vital at Stamford Bridge, and Hato’s name has now emerged as their number one choice.
Although only 19 years of age, Hato has been one of the standout players for Ajax this campaign. He has played almost 50 games in total this season and has shown a steady calmness at the back and good technical ability. Chelsea think he is the right fit for their plans and are ready to act quickly to agree a deal that could be worth as much as £42 million.
𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂: Chelsea are seriously considering making a move to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax this summer.
Chelsea's interest is longstanding. He is a player they admire and he’s being watched closely.
[@SkyKaveh] pic.twitter.com/H8hT7ueu2T
— Transfer Sector (@TransferSector) May 2, 2025
Why Jorrel Hato Tops Chelsea’s Defensive Wishlist
Chelsea’s summer recruitment priority is obvious—bring in young, high-quality players to bolster the squad in the long term. With Thiago Silva leaving and other defenders’ injury record bringing worries, a new centre-back is top of the list. Chelsea defender shortlist has had some names mentioned, but Hato is now the front runner. Hato’s left-footedness and capacity to play in a high defensive line make him the perfect fit for Chelsea’s tactical system.
Whilst Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa has also been tracked, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos has been rumoured, Chelsea seem to be favouring a younger, more malleable player. Konsa provides Premier League know-how, and Marquinhos provides leadership, but Hato is the kind of player who can develop with the club.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Hato is likely not in a vacuum. Premier League supeors Arsenal and Liverpool are also monitoring the Ajax centre-back, as are Italian club AC Milan. Liverpool may be slightly better suited to persuading Hato to make a move, particularly due to their solid standing.
🚨 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢: Liverpool and Chelsea appreciate Jorrel Hato and are both monitoring him. Now we see what they decide to do with conversations and negotiations with Ajax, because it’s not an easy (deal), @FabrizioRomano. pic.twitter.com/6CfpNUw5em
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) May 15, 2025
Still, Chelsea have a proven record of winning targets before other clubs. Chelsea were able to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in 2023 despite the interest of Liverpool. That gives Chelsea confidence to get through another nerve-wracking chase.
In addition, the club is looking to move swiftly. Reported, the Blues wish to initiate negotiations with Ajax at once in order to prevent being pulled into an extended tug-of-war battle. The haste is born out of experience gained in the Huijsen debacle and a need to bring priority business early in the window.
The Blues’ Vision for the Future
Hato’s signing would be a continuation of Chelsea’s current policy of investing in young players with high ceiling. Chelsea already have exciting young prospects such as Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto in their team. Signing another excellent young defender would make the defensive position secure for the coming years.
Nevertheless, there has been some unease among fans at the inexperience within the team. Youth and experience must still be balanced. Having a player like Marquinhos might make up for that to some extent, but Hato is considered to have the potential to be a world-class defender with proper development. Chelsea will now have to choose between seeking both experience and youth or committing totally to another young talent with stellar potential.
With Dean Huijsen now no longer on the scene, Chelsea are progressing firmly to sign a new Chelsea defender target in Ajax’s Jorrel Hato. The battle for his signature is intensifying, but the Blues insist on taking charge.
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