Chelsea completes the signing of Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax

By: The Associated Press Posted: 1:48 PM CDT Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025 Last Modified: 3:59 PM CDT Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025

LONDON (AP) — Club World Cup champion Chelsea has completed the signing of Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal worth a reported 37 million pounds ($49 million).

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

LONDON (AP) — Club World Cup champion Chelsea has completed the signing of Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal worth a reported 37 million pounds ($49 million).

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/08/2025 (429 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LONDON (AP) — Club World Cup champion Chelsea has completed the signing of Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal worth a reported 37 million pounds ($49 million).

The 19-year-old Hato, who has been capped six times by his country, has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

He becomes the Blues’ eighth signing of the summer transfer window.

FILE - Jorrel Hato of the Netherlands, centre, is in action during the UEFA Nations League Group A3 soccer match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Netherlands at Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica, Bosnia, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut, File)

“I’m very excited,” Hato, who can operate in central defense or at left back, told the Premier League club’s website.

“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.”

Hato joined Ajax’s academy from hometown club Sparta Rotterdam in 2018 and signed his first professional contract aged 16 four years later.

He scored four goals in 111 appearances for the Eredivisie team, with his international debut coming as a substitute in a 6-0 win against Gibraltar in November 2023.

Chelsea starts its Premier League season on Aug. 17 at home to Crystal Palace.