Thursday’s jersey announcement marked the start of Jorrel Hato’s Chelsea career, while also hinting at the end of another’s.
Jorrel Hato was officially announced as a Chelsea player this week, after a £37 million move from Dutch giants Ajax.
The 19-year-old defender was hot property in this transfer window, with many clubs wanting Hato’s services. But Chelsea won the race, and now he is preparing for a strong start to life in London.
But Hato’s arrival had already cast doubt over the future of one Chelsea player, and the number announcement may have just confirmed it.
Jorrel Hato takes Ben Chilwell’s number 21
Not only has Hato come in to provide reinforcement in the same position as Ben Chilwell, he’s also taking his jersey number.
Chelsea have wanted to move Chilwell on for some time now, after a stint at the club one could only describe as a failure given the £50 million fee. The 28-year-old never settled fully, with injuries playing a major role.
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Ben Chilwell during Chelsea versus Barrow in the Carabao Cup
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But now, with Hato taking the number 21, Chilwell must be leaving.
A move to another Premier League side would allow Chilwell to challenge for a place in the England squad ahead of next summer’s tournament, something he is far away from at present.
Possible destinations for Chilwell
Burnley signed Kyle Walker earlier in the summer, and it is rumoured they are open to doing the same with Chilwell.
Gabriel Agbonlahor suggested as much, believing he and Walker could have some sort of revival away from the spotlight. Brentford were reportedly interested in Chilwell at the beginning of summer, so that’s one to monitor as well.
No doubt Chelsea will be discussing their options for the English left-back as they continue to sell unused assets.
Chilwell’s loan spell at Palace had its moments, moments where the old Chilwell was there to see. If the right club came in for him, there’s every chance he could rediscover the form that made Chelsea fork out so much money.