Chelsea have taken a major step toward sealing the signing of Jorrel Hato after agreeing personal terms with the 19-year-old Ajax defender, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Chelsea Agree Personal Terms with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato as €40m Deal Nears Completion
Negotiations between the clubs are advancing swiftly, with a transfer fee of around €40 million (£35 million) reportedly under discussion well below Ajax’s initial £60 million valuation.
Hato, a standout performer during Ajax’s near-title-winning 2024–25 season, where he made 50 senior appearances, has made it clear that his preference is to move to Stamford Bridge.
He has informed Ajax’s management of his desire to join Chelsea marking a clear sign of intent from both player and club.
A versatile left-sided defender capable of playing at centre-back or left-back, Hato won Eredivisie Talent of the Season and has already earned six senior caps for the Netherlands, including a debut as a substitute against Gibraltar in November 2023 and playing in the Nations League quarter-final against Spain in March 2025.
Chelsea are motivated by the need for defensive reinforcements in Enzo Maresca’s evolving squad, especially as potential exits such as Ben Chilwell and Renato Veiga loom.
Hato’s blend of composure, passing ability, and adaptability make him an ideal fit for the Blues’ backline and ball-playing systems.
Personal terms have been agreed, and a formal bid from Chelsea is expected within seven days.
The clubs aim to finalise the deal before the start of the summer transfer window closes, enabling Hato to join pre-season training with the squad.
For a club striving to balance proud tradition with a modern, progressive playing philosophy, landing Jorrel Hato would represent a significant coup a young star ready to become a central figure in Chelsea’s next era under BlueCo ownership.
