Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Chelsea Open Talks With Ajax for Teenage Star Jorrel Hato

Blues Lead Liverpool and Arsenal in £60M Race for Versatile Dutch Defender.

Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Chelsea have officially opened negotiations with Ajax over the potential signing of highly rated defender Jorrel Hato. According to multiple reports, the Blues have identified the 19-year-old Dutch international as a key target. They are looking to rebuild their defense under new manager Enzo Maresca.

The journey and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that Chelsea have initiated ‘official club-to-club contact’ with Ajax. He also described Hato to be the Blues’ ‘next top priority.’ Romano added that Hato is also ‘keen on the move’.

🚨🔵 EXCL: Chelsea have now made official club to club contact with Ajax for Jorrel Hato as next top priority! 🇳🇱

Hato, understood to be keen on the move and already prepared to accept personal terms at #CFC.

Negotiations ongoing with very good relationship between clubs. pic.twitter.com/4XPomaNDlM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 23, 2025

Reportedly, the player is “already prepared to accept personal terms at Chelsea.” Talks between the two clubs are progressing smoothly thanks to their strong working relationship. Hato has already made 111 senior appearances for Ajax despite his young age.

He has also attracted interest from other Premier League giants, like Liverpool and Arsenal. Both clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation. However, Chelsea are currently leading the race after being swift about their move towards formal negotiations.

Also Read: Chelsea Eye Record-Breaking Move for Xavi Simons Amid Transfer Frenzy

Jorrel Hato: Versatile and Mature Beyond His Age

Hato’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After joining Ajax from Sparta Rotterdam’s academy in 2018, he captained the club’s youth team in the 2022-23 UEFA Youth League. He became a first-team regular soon after. Last season, he featured in 46 matches across all competitions.

He even wore the captain’s armband on a few occasions. Primarily a centre-back, Hato has also excelled at left-back, showcasing impressive versatility, composure in possession, and a strong passing range. He would fit well with Maresca’s preference for ball-playing defenders.

Also Read: Arsenal Closer Than Ever to Sign Viktor Gyokeres After Final Transfer Breakthrough

In fact, Hato’s pass completion and through-ball statistics rank among the best in the Eredivisie for his position. Ajax have reportedly set a £60 million valuation for the teenager. Chelsea are hopeful of negotiating a lower fee closer to £50 million.

They will hope to leverage funds from expected departures like Renato Veiga and Ben Chilwell. Should the deal materialize, Hato would become the latest young talent to join Chelsea’s long-term project under co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.

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Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.