Hato refuses to play as Chelsea close in

Personal terms agreed, clubs working to resolve valuation gap

Chelsea have already reached an agreement with Hato on personal terms; according to ESPN and The Athletic, the two clubs have made significant progress in negotiations. Talks are ongoing regarding the fee, but the mood is said to be positive on both sides. The transfer fee is expected to exceed €40 million. De Telegraaf reported that Ajax initially demanded €60 million but may accept an amount closer to €50 million. Performance-based bonuses and a future resale clause could help bridge the gap.

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.

Jorrel Hato makes bold request: sits out friendly

One of the most closely followed young defenders in European football, Jorrel Hato has deliberately chosen not to play in order to accelerate his transfer to Chelsea. According to Voetbal International, the 19-year-old Dutch defender made a specific request not to feature in Ajax’s friendly against Como. His decision, based on a desire to avoid injury, was accepted by the Ajax coaching staff.

He had also missed the earlier match against Celtic, but that absence was pre-planned due to his late return to pre-season. However, the surprise absence against Como has been interpreted as a major turning point in the transfer saga.

Heitinga responds

Ajax manager John Heitinga commented on Hato’s absence against Celtic:

"He’s still an Ajax player for now. Whether he plays against Monaco, I don’t know. We still have a few days and training sessions ahead."

Hato’s positional versatility fits Maresca’s plan

Chelsea currently lack a natural left-footed defender who can comfortably slot in at left-back. Hato fills that void. Aside from Marc Cucurella, there are few in the squad who can play the role naturally. According to The Guardian, Ben Chilwell, back from his loan at Crystal Palace, is not part of Enzo Maresca’s long-term plans. This highlights the need for structural change on the left side of Chelsea’s defence. Hato’s ability to play both centre-back and left-back makes him an ideal fit for Maresca’s tactical blueprint.

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.

Why the Hato deal matches Chelsea’s long-term vision

Jorrel Hato’s development through the Ajax academy is a key reason why this transfer has drawn close attention. Ajax have produced stars like Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch in the last decade. Hato is seen as the next in line. During the 2024–2025 season, the young defender made 50 appearances across all competitions for Ajax, scoring 3 goals and providing 6 assists. His contributions highlighted not only his defensive solidity but also his role in building play from the back.

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.

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.