Chelsea agreed a deal with Ajax to sign highly rated Dutch defender Jorrel Hato for just over €40 million (The Athletic).
The 19-year-old will join the Blues on a seven-year contract, pending approval from Ajax’s supervisory board.
Once the approval comes, Hato will travel to London to undergo a medical before finalising the move.
The Netherlands international is a product of the famed Ajax youth academy, having joined from Sparta Rotterdam.
Hato has already racked up 111 first-team appearances. He captained Ajax several times last term and showcased his versatility by filling in at left-back and centre-back.
The Rotterdam-born defender bagged three goals and six assists in 50 appearances for Ajax last season.
Hato will serve as a rotational option at Chelsea, providing cover for Marc Cucurella at left-back and Levi Colwill in central defence as the club continues to stockpile elite young talent.
Among Under-21 full-backs in the top seven leagues, he ranks first for aerial duels won, passes completed and short passes completed.
He also ranks second for touches, deep completions, possession plus and minus, overall pass completion percentage, forward pass accuracy, and accurate passes into the final third.
Additionally, among all Under-19 players across Europe’s top leagues, Hato sits fifth for defensive duels won, demonstrating his technical ability and strong defensive instincts.
With his composure, positional flexibility and elite passing numbers, Hato fits the profile of a modern defender suited to Chelsea’s style under Enzo Maresca.
His signing will be another key piece in the club’s long-term project as they continue to rebuild with a youthful core.
Hato’s arrival paves the way for the departures of Ishe Samuels-Smith and Renato Veiga this summer.
