Chelsea Football Club have completed the signing of 19-year-old Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal reportedly worth £37 million ($49 million).
Hato, who has been capped six times by the Netherlands, signed a seven-year contract with the Premier League side. He becomes the Blues’ eighth signing of the summer as head coach Enzo Maresca continues to strengthen his squad ahead of a demanding season in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
“I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here,” said Hato. “I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I’m very happy.”
Capable of playing as a centre-back or left-back, Hato joined Ajax’s academy from Sparta Rotterdam in 2018 and signed his first professional contract at 16. He made 111 appearances and scored four goals for the Eredivisie side before making his international debut in 2023.
Chelsea, who are also the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions, will begin their Premier League campaign at home against Crystal Palace on August 17.
Hato joins a growing list of summer arrivals at Stamford Bridge, including Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Mamadou Sarr, Dario Essugo, Estevao Willian, and Kendry Paez.
