21. Jorrel Hato

[Vesper 30,160]

Jorrel Hato joins Chelsea!

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/jorrel-hato-joins-Chelsea

Chelsea is delighted to announce the signing of Netherlands international Jorrel Hato from Ajax.

The 19-year-old defender has penned a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge through to 2032 and will join up with his new team-mates this week.

‘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.’

Born in Rotterdam, Hato began his football journey with local side Sparta before moving to Ajax’s youth academy in 2018. He signed his first professional contract in 2022 at just 16 and quickly made his mark in both the UEFA Youth League and for Jong Ajax, the club’s reserve side.

That same year, he became the third-youngest player ever to debut for Ajax in the Eredivisie, aged 16, in a match against Cambuur. By the end of the season, he was starting in the Dutch Cup final — a testament to his rapid rise.

He was still 16 when he became the third-youngest player to debut for Ajax in the Eredivisie in a game against Cambuur in February 2023. He finished the campaign starting in the Dutch Cup final.

Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Hato has been virtually ever-present in the Ajax side. He is equally as comfortable in the heart of defence as he is at left-back, featuring most often in the latter position during the season just gone.

Hato is strong in the tackle, comfortable carrying the ball forward and has leadership skills that bely his age. He captained Ajax as a 17-year-old.

On the international stage, his progress has been equally impressive. Hato made his senior debut for the Netherlands aged 17 and has already earned six caps, as well as captaining the Dutch side at the UEFA Under-21 European Championship this summer.

Welcome to Chelsea, Jorrel!

[Vesper 30,160]

'I thought a lot about my future and...': Jorrel Hato opens up on sensational move to Premier League club Chelsea

https://www.firstpost.com/sports/football-news/Chelsea-jorrel-hato-football-transfer-news-premier-league-13918857.html

Club World Cup champions Chelsea have completed yet another signing ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season. After solidifying the offence by adding Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to the squad, Enzo Meresca and Co. have shifted their attention to defense and roped in Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax.

Chelsea spent a reported sum of 37 million pounds ($49 million) to bring Hato on board. The 19-year-old has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge. He becomes the club’s eighth signing of the summer transfer window. Earlier, Chelsea signed- Joao Pedro (£60m), Jamie Gittens (£51.1m), Liam Delap (£30m), Estevao Willian (£29.1m), Dario Essugo (£18.5m), Mamadou Sarr (£12m) and Kendry Paez (£17.3m).

Jorrel Hato on transfer move to Chelsea

“I´m very excited,” Hato, who can operate in central defence or at left back, told the Premier League club´s website.

“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.”

Jorrel Hato joined Ajax’s academy at 12 (from Sparta Rotterdam) and turned pro at 16. He made 111 appearances for Ajax, scoring 4 goals, before earning his international debut as a substitute in a 6-0 win over Gibraltar in November 2023.

Chelsea starts its Premier League season on Aug. 17 at home to Crystal Palace.

 

What will Jorrel Hato bring to the table?

Jorrel Hato will bring a bag of skills to the table. His versatility, ball control, and distribution skills will make him a bankable left-back or centre-back at Chelsea. His leadership qualities, speed, and agility are notable assets. With growth potential, Hato is expected to provide competition for Marc Cucurella and bolster Chelsea’s defensive options.

While Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market, making modifications to the squad ahead of the new season, the team seemingly still has room for improvement. Moreover, with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal making notable signings, it will be interesting to see whether the club can challenge its rivals and contend for the top prize in English football.

[Vesper 30,160]

Chelsea new boy Jorrel Hato explains why he joined Blues despite secret Liverpool visit

Jorrel Hato has completed his move to Chelsea despite interest elsewhere as the Dutch defender claimed the Blues were the best place for him after previously being seen at Liverpool

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/jorrel-hato-Chelsea-deal-liverpool-35667533

Jorrel Hato has claimed that "Chelsea is the best place for me" after completing his move to the Blues despite the likes of Liverpool also being keen on the young defender.

Hato had risen through the ranks at Ajax and had a number of clubs in Europe eyeing his services, but he has chosen to make the move to Stamford Bridge, signing a deal in the capital until 2032.

Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah were Chelsea's two central defenders when they claimed the Club World Cup, but they will now face competition from the 19-year-old, who has set the club back £37million. But Hato is convinced he's found the best environment for him.

He told the club's website: "I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here. 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."

Talk of a move to Liverpool ramped up after the defender was seen at Anfield during Liverpool's win over Ipswich in January. Hato's list of suitors was understood to include Liverpool, who have considered adding a new central defender this summer.

However his weekend visit on Merseyside was due to his relationship with fellow Dutchman Ryan Gravenberch, who invited Hato as a guest to watch the Reds. The pair have been playing together with the Netherlands, with Hato making his senior debut at the age of 17 and picking up six caps. He also captained the Dutch side at the U21 Euros this summer.

Liverpool have sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen this summer with Ibrahima Konate entering the final 12 months of his deal. He is thought to be keen on a switch to Real Madrid, which could leave the Reds light in defence. They have also been heavily linked with Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi.

The defender had enjoyed a meteoric rise at Ajax (Image: Getty Images)

Chelsea's latest arrival takes their summer spend to the £250m mark. Hato is the first major defensive arrival with Enzo Maresca instead choosing to bolster his frontline. Joao Pedro signed from Brighton for £55m and played a key role in the Blues winning the Club World Cup.

Liam Delap has also joined from Ipswich, leading to questions over the future of Nicolas Jackson. Jamie Gittens has returned to his homeland after impressing with Borussia Dortmund for £48.5m. RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons is thought to be high on Chelsea's shortlist.

[OhForAGreavsie 6,072]

I received a notification from Chelsea challenging people to name the other 14 Dutchman who have played for Chelsea. (I'm assuming they're talking about the men's team.) I'm ashamed to say I've only come up with five so far. Including Hato! The other 4 are; a keeper, a midfielder who played centre back for us, a left footed right winger, and a left winger. L

I'm guessing that most of you lot can do much better than me.

Edit: Up to six now. A right back

Edited August 4 by OhForAGreavsie

[NikkiCFC 8,317]

3 hours ago, OhForAGreavsie said:

Edit: Up to six now. A right back

A guy who put Ronaldinho in pocket in 06/07 season? 🙂

[Vesper 30,160]

7 hours ago, OhForAGreavsie said:

I received a notification from Chelsea challenging people to name the other 14 Dutchman who have played for Chelsea. (I'm assuming they're talking about the men's team.) I'm ashamed to say I've only come up with five so far. Including Hato! The other 4 are; a keeper, a midfielder who played centre back for us, a left footed right winger, and a left winger. L

I'm guessing that most of you lot can do much better than me.

Edit: Up to six now. A right back

the only ones I can think of are

Maatsen
van Ginkel   (horrid luck with injuries)
Aké
van Aanholt
The Cannibal aka Boulahrouz
Winston Bogarde

and then the Big Three

Robben
Hasselbaink (after Drogba he is my 2nd fav Chels CF)
Ruuuuuud Gullit the legend

and finally the super obscure (for a very recent player, but one who I had huge hopes for (when he came from Barca) until he destroyed his knee)

Xavier Mbuyamba  aka The X Man

[NikkiCFC 8,317]

Mario Melchiot

 

[OhForAGreavsie 6,072]

3 hours ago, Vesper said:

the only ones I can think of are

Maatsen
van Ginkel   (horrid luck with injuries)
Aké
van Aanholt
The Cannibal aka Boulahrouz
Winston Bogarde

and then the Big Three

Robben
Hasselbaink (after Drogba he is my 2nd fav Chels CF)
Ruuuuuud Gullit the legend

and finally the super obscure (for a very recent player, but one who I had huge hopes for (when he came from Barca) until he destroyed his knee)

Xavier Mbuyamba  aka The X Man

After making my original post I saw a version of the question posted by Chelsea with a photograph of the 15 players. It included a lot of 'doh' moments of recognition for me I can tell you. Even then there was one face I recognised but could not id. Your post put me out of my misery on that name. 🙁

[Special Juan 28,141]

Interesting interview with him on the socials yesterday, the guy interviewing said "your the only Dutch man in the team at the moment"

👀

[Duppy Conqueror 1,533]

21 hours ago, Vesper said:

the only ones I can think of are

Maatsen
van Ginkel   (horrid luck with injuries)
Aké
van Aanholt
The Cannibal aka Boulahrouz
Winston Bogarde

and then the Big Three

Robben
Hasselbaink (after Drogba he is my 2nd fav Chels CF)
Ruuuuuud Gullit the legend

and finally the super obscure (for a very recent player, but one who I had huge hopes for (when he came from Barca) until he destroyed his knee)

Xavier Mbuyamba  aka The X Man

de Goey,Zenden,Bruma..and the first Ken Monkou. Now I'm stuck..

Oh yeah Mario Melchiot..his last game (against Leeds at the bridge) was my 1st wife's first and probably last game..he had a good game that day and she certainly was more impressed by him than my little slips of hatred for Leeds.

Edited August 5 by Duppy Conqueror

[Duppy Conqueror 1,533]

Be great cover for Cucu.which could be crucial,like Yuri was when Ash missed a decent chunk of 09/10.

Plus although we switched to more of Maresca's plan B formation during CWC. The signings we've made/been linked with it looks like those are with Marescas plan A formation in mind so in that case Hato could come into play as starting some games even with Cucu,with Hato as the LCB and Colwill as the CB with Acheampong as the RCB/RB hybrid. 

[Fulham Broadway 17,311]

But can he play double pivot

[Milan 17,956]

20 minutes ago, Fulham Broadway said:

But can he play double pivot

And can he do it on a cold windy night in Stoke?

[Special Juan 28,141]

Hato will wear the 21 Jersey

[Strike 7,486]

23 hours ago, Special Juan said:

Hato will wear the 21 Jersey

Bad choice. The pressure of living up to Salomon Kalou's legacy...