Chelsea agree deal with Ajax for £37 million Jorrel Hato | The Express Tribune

Chelsea have secured an agreement with Ajax for the signing of 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato for an initial fee of £37 million.

The highly-rated prospect is set to sign a seven-year deal lasting until 2032, and will travel to London to undergo his medical, as reported by BBC sport.

Hato, who has played both as a left-back and central defender, made his debut for Ajax at just 16 years and 335 days old, making him the third-youngest player in club history to feature in an Eredivisie match.

Over the past two years, he has made 75 appearances for the club and earned a senior cap for the Netherlands in 2023. Chelsea sees him as a promising addition to their defensive options, providing competition and depth.

Ajax’s decision to part ways with Hato comes amid financial pressures and the club’s return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. The sale of Hato is part of a wider effort to raise funds.

Hato becomes Chelsea’s eighth signing this summer, following a major overhaul of the squad.

The club has spent over £250 million in the current transfer window, balanced by over £150 million in player sales.

Chelsea’s summer signings:

• Jamie Gittens – £48m from Borussia Dortmund

• Joao Pedro – £55m from Brighton

• Liam Delap – £30m from Ipswich Town

• Mamadou Sarr – £12m from Lyon

• Dario Essugo – £18m from Sporting CP

• Estevao Willian – £29m from Palmeiras

• Kendry Paez – £17m from Independiente del Valle

While Chelsea’s transfer business for this window is nearing completion, the club is still looking to offload some players.

Christopher Nkunku is expected to leave, and striker Nicolas Jackson could be sold if the right offer arrives.

A number of first-team players, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Armando Broja, and Lesley Ugochukwu, are training separately from the main squad.