Chelsea have announced the signing of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato in a £37 million deal, making the Netherlands international their latest addition ahead of the new Premier League season.
The 19-year-old completed his medical in London over the weekend and has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues.
Hato becomes Chelsea’s eighth signing of the summer transfer window as the club strengthens its defensive ranks under manager Enzo Maresca.
“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.”
A product of Ajax’s famed youth academy, Hato made his senior debut at just 16 and quickly became a key figure in the squad. Comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, he captained the team at 17 and went on to make 111 senior appearances.
He earned his first cap for the Netherlands in 2023 in a match against Gibraltar.
