On Sunday, the Premier League side announced the signing of Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato from the Dutch side Ajax. The Club World Cup winners are now looking to strengthen their backline with the aim of challenging for the Premier League trophy next season. Enzo Maresca’s side finished 4th last season, securing Champions League football. They will now need depth to compete in both competitions.
The Blues will pay an initial fee of £35.5 million for the 19-year-old, with add-ons rising to £37 million. The Dutchman has signed a seven-year contract until 2032 with the club.
Who is Jorrel Hato?
The 19-year-old international is one of the latest hot talents from the famous Ajax Academy. As a left-footed defender, he can operate as a centre-back and left-back. He made his debut for Ajax in 2023, aged 16 years and 335 days. This makes him the third-youngest player to feature in the Eredivisie after Clarence Seedorf and Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch. He has already made 111 senior appearances for Ajax and even captained the club as a 17-year-old.
The young Dutchman is excellent on the ball as he regularly looks to make key passes. He can be trusted to break the lines with balls over the top. He is a strong and aggressive defender, blessed with an incredible recovery pace. With a low centre of gravity, he also possesses the ability to act as a ball-carrier, making him the perfect well-rounded defender.
Where Does Hato Fit Into The Chelsea Squad?
Hato proves to be an excellent addition to Chelsea’s recruitment policy of signing young, high-potential players on low wages and long contracts. Hato spent most of the 2023/24 campaign as a left-sided centre-back. However, when new head coach Francesco Farioli took over, he was mainly deployed as a left-back.
Having experience in both these positions, Hato can provide serious competition to Levi Colwill. He may also serve as a rotation option for Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella, who played nearly 70 games for club and country last season.
Also read: Official: Tottenham Captain Son Heung-min Announces Exit After 10 Years at the Club
What’s Next For Chelsea?
The 5-time Premier League champions have been making serious moves in the transfer market over the past few years. Jorrel Hato stands as the 49th player the club has signed in the last 4 years. Chelsea’s summer spending in this window has already crossed £250 million.
Prior to Jorrel Hato, the Blues had already brought in many top talents. Liam Delap and Joao Pedro from Premier League opposition are set to battle it out for the No. 9 position at the club. Jamie Gittens, a £48 million English acquisition from Borussia Dortmund, may replace the departed Noni Madueke. The Brazilian hot talent, Estevao, is also set to join the Blues, adding plenty of firepower to the Club World Cup champions.
While many are overlooking this Chelsea team, Enzo Maresca is building a threatening side ahead of the 25/26 campaign. How Jorrel Hato, along with the rest of the Chelsea signings, fit into the squad is yet to be seen, but Chelsea are a side to keep an eye on.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
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