Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato in a deal worth £37 million, plus add-ons. The 19-year-old has signed a seven-year contract and becomes the Blues' fourth signing of the summer, following Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.
Hato is capable of playing at centre-back and left-back and is expected to provide competition for Marc Cucurella. The Dutchman is widely regarded as one of Europe's top prospects, and Chelsea reportedly beat Arsenal and Liverpool to secure his signature.
Speaking after signing, Hato said: “I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here. 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.” He played 31 Eredivisie matches last season, scoring twice and notching six assists, and featured five times for the Netherlands at the U21 European Championships.
Chelsea now intend to ramp up attempts to sign another Dutchman, Xavi Simons, with the RB Leipzig forward reportedly close to joining the Blues.
