Chelsea agree deal to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato

Chelsea have agreed a deal in excess of €40million plus a sell-on clause to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax, subject to approval from the Dutch club’s supervisory board, according to The Athletic.

The online news portal claims that the 19-year-old has agreed a seven-year deal and will travel for a medical after approval has been given.

Chelsea opened talks with Ajax over a move for the Netherlands international earlier this month.

Arsenal were linked with a move for Hato in January 2024, before he signed a new five-year contract with Ajax last summer.

Hato has racked up 111 first-team appearances for Ajax and has captained the side on several occasions.

He featured primarily as a left-back in 2024-25 but also played as a centre-back, showing his versatility.

Jorrel Hato joined Ajax’s academy in 2018 from Sparta Rotterdam, rising through the youth ranks to feature for the first team. He made his debut for the club in January 2023.

At the national team level, he has made six appearances for the Netherlands.

Chelsea have been very active this summer, bringing in Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens, alongside the arrivals of players on pre-existing agreements including Estevao, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez.

Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke and Djordje Petrovic are among the players to have left the club permanently.