Jorrel Hato

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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!

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'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.

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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.