Ajax are reportedly exploring the possibility of re-signing Jorrel Hato on loan from Chelsea in the January transfer window, according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. The 19-year-old defender left Ajax for Chelsea in the summer for an initial fee of £35.5 million, signing a seven-year contract, but has struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge.
Hato has made just two starts in the Premier League this season and, after a shaky performance against Qarabag in the Europa League, has been limited to a single Carabao Cup appearance due to fitness problems. Despite his mixed start, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca remains confident in the versatile youngster, who can play both left-back and centre-back.
With Hato struggling for regular minutes, talk of a temporary exit has emerged. De Telegraaf claim Hato is 'clearly the number one on Ajax's list' as the Eredivisie side look to strengthen at left-back just six months after his departure. However, the report suggests it is 'questionable' whether Chelsea would agree to loan Hato back to his former club midway through the campaign.
Should Chelsea block the move, Ajax have alternative targets including Burnley's Quilindschy Hartman, Everton's Adam Aznou, Utrecht's Souffian El Karouani and Como's Ignace Van Der Brempt. Hato's contract with Chelsea runs until 2032.
Earlier this month, Maresca confirmed Hato had been in line to return from injury for the Premier League match against Newcastle, but suffered a setback during the warm-up. The Chelsea boss said on Monday it is unlikely Hato will be available for the upcoming clash with Bournemouth. Former Ajax manager John Heitinga previously noted that Hato's peripheral role at Chelsea highlighted the squad depth at Stamford Bridge.
