Chelsea are reportedly stepping up their interest in Ajax's rising star Jorrel Hato, with the Premier League giants keen to secure the versatile defender in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 17-year-old Dutch youth international has been turning heads with his mature performances for Ajax this season, despite his tender age. Hato's ability to play both centre-back and left-back has made him an attractive prospect for Chelsea, who are looking to add depth to their defensive line.
Who is Jorrel Hato?
The teenage prodigy became Ajax's youngest ever Eredivisie starter when he made his debut at just 16 years and 335 days old. His composure on the ball and tactical intelligence belie his youth, with many tipping him to follow in the footsteps of other successful Ajax academy graduates.
Chelsea's Defensive Revamp
Mauricio Pochettino's side have identified defensive reinforcements as a priority, with injuries exposing their lack of depth at the back. Hato's versatility would provide valuable cover across multiple positions, while his potential for development aligns with Chelsea's strategy of investing in young talent.
Ajax are understood to be reluctant to lose one of their most promising youngsters, but Chelsea's financial muscle could prove decisive in negotiations. The London club have shown they're willing to pay premium prices for top young prospects, as demonstrated by their recent transfer activity.
What This Means for Chelsea
If successful, this move would continue Chelsea's trend of signing elite young players with high resale potential. Hato would likely be integrated gradually into the first team setup, with the club's extensive loan network potentially coming into play for his development.
The January window could see this transfer saga develop quickly, with Chelsea known for their decisive action in the market when targeting specific players.
