Chelsea Sign Hato from Ajax

On Sunday, English Premier League side Chelsea signed 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax.

Hato will join the Blues in a deal worth €46.5 million excluding bonuses, sources told ESPN NL. 

Chelsea announced Hato signed a long-term deal until 2032. He will join the team later this week.

Hato said after the signing: "I'm very excited, I'm so happy to be here," adding, "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."

Hato made more than 100 appearances for Ajax and six for the Netherlands. He also became the youngest player to captain Ajax in 2023 at the age of 17.

He can play either at left back or center back.

Ajax technical director Alex Kroes said the loss of Hato was a difficult one for the club but wished him well and thanked him for his service to the club.

"With the transfer of Jorrel, we lose one of our pillars in defense," Kroes said. 

"He is not only a very great talent and a good player, but he also has a very good character and personality. We would have preferred to keep him for at least another year, but we understand that he has now set his sights on this wonderful adventure that awaits him in the Premier League.

"We wholeheartedly wish him this new challenge and are proud of what he has done for Ajax and wish him every success in England."