Chelsea make move for Hato: Ajax reject initial bid

Chelsea clear first hurdle in Hato deal: all eyes on Ajax

Premier League giants Chelsea have launched a formal bid for Ajax’s young centre-back Jorrel Hato. According to ESPN, Hato has agreed personal terms with Chelsea and expressed a strong desire to test himself in the Premier League. Talks between the two clubs are still ongoing. Ajax turned down Chelsea’s opening offer and responded with a revised valuation.

ESPN: Bid rejected, Ajax want €60 million

According to ESPN’s European sources, Chelsea’s initial bid, reportedly around €40 million, was deemed insufficient by Ajax. The Dutch club are said to be seeking closer to €60 million. Negotiations are still active, and Hato’s eagerness to make the move could tip the scales in Chelsea’s favour.

Omission from friendly adds fuel to transfer speculation

Jorrel Hato’s absence from Ajax’s recent friendly against Celtic only added fuel to the transfer speculation. However, manager John Heitinga described it as a planned rest, stating:

“He’s still an Ajax player for now. Whether he’ll play in the Monaco game, I don’t know. There are still a few days and training sessions to go.”

Addressing a structural gap in Chelsea’s back line

Despite having nine centre-backs in their squad, Chelsea lack a left-footed defender who can naturally cover at left-back. Hato fits that mould. Apart from Marc Cucurella, there are no players naturally suited to the role. Ben Chilwell has returned from his loan spell at Crystal Palace. According to The Guardian, manager Enzo Maresca does not view him as part of his plans for the upcoming season. This situation has highlighted the need to rebuild the left side of defence. Hato’s ability to operate as both a centre-back and a left-back makes him a versatile option well suited to Maresca’s tactical system.

Another youth investment

Chelsea have been busy in the market, adding young talents such as Liam Delap, João Pedro and Jamie Gittens to their attack. Estêvão, signed from Palmeiras last summer, has also joined the squad. The club has clear targets for midfield and defence as well. According to ESPN, talks are ongoing for Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. Bringing in Hato would mark another cornerstone in Chelsea’s blueprint for sustained competitiveness.

The next in line from Ajax’s academy

Jorrel Hato’s development at Ajax’s renowned academy is another reason clubs are closely watching this transfer. Over the past decade, Ajax have produced standout talents such as Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch. Hato is now seen as the next link in that chain. In the 2024–2025 season, he featured in 50 matches across all competitions for Ajax, scoring 3 goals and providing 6 assists. The numbers underscore his dual threat: a defender equally comfortable breaking up play and initiating attacks.

A modern defender profile

Despite being just 19, Hato ticks every box for the modern game. He is composed, progressive and tactically mature. His left-footedness gives balance to the build-up, and he remains composed under pressure with high accuracy in both short and long-range passes. Quick, confident, and physically well-rounded at 1.82 metres, he competes effectively in aerial duels. Whether in one-on-one situations or in zonal setups, Hato offers reliability. His ability to cover at left-back further enhances his value from a squad-building perspective. He embodies the requirements of modern football and, with strong leadership traits, can integrate seamlessly into a starting XI while maintaining dressing room harmony.

Hato deal aligns with Chelsea’s long-term vision

Hato’s rapid development and maturity at Ajax point to a player well beyond his years. For Chelsea, this transfer fits perfectly into their long-term vision of reinforcing the back line with elite youth talent. Alongside Estêvão, Gittens and Delap, the signing of Hato represents not only a move for the present but also a step toward shaping the club’s structural core for years to come.