Why Chelsea Are Going All-In for Jorrel Hato

Why Chelsea Are Going All-In for Jorrel Hato

Jorrel Hato is on the verge of becoming Chelsea’s eighth summer signing, and while the club’s transfer strategy has drawn its fair share of raised eyebrows, this move looks both deliberate and intelligent.

The 19-year-old Ajax defender is reportedly close to joining the Blues in a deal worth around £35 million. With Chelsea continuing their push to sign the best young talent across Europe, Hato represents not just a reinforcement, but a strategic piece in Enzo Maresca’s puzzle.

A Rare Blend of Youth and Experience

Despite his age, Hato has already racked up 111 senior appearances for Ajax. He played a remarkable 96 games over the last two seasons, starting in 94 of them. That’s not a stat you often associate with teenagers.

He made his first-team debut at just 16 years and 335 days, becoming the third-youngest Ajax player ever to feature in the Eredivisie after Clarence Seedorf and Ryan Gravenberch. Within a year, he had already made his debut for the Netherlands senior team at 17, earning six caps so far.

By 17 years and 282 days, Hato captained Ajax in the Europa League against AEK Athens, making him the youngest player to start as captain in a European match for the club.

Tactical Value: Left-Back and Centre-Back Rolled Into One

Maresca may be looking at Hato not just for one position, but for two. While he’s a natural centre-back, he spent most of the 2024-25 season operating as a left-back under Francesco Farioli. His comfort in either role adds a valuable layer of flexibility to Chelsea’s defensive options.

At centre-back, Hato played 80% of his minutes during the 2023-24 season. At left-back, he accounted for 94% of his minutes in 2024-25. He was a defensive mainstay in both roles. For Ajax, he made more ball recoveries than anyone else in the squad last season and was second in combined tackles and interceptions.

Calm Under Pressure, Precise on the Ball

Hato’s passing stats are eye-popping. In 2023-24, only two Eredivisie players attempted more passes than him. His accuracy? A stunning 92.5%. More than just recycling possession, Hato ranked high in forward passes (799) and entries into the attacking third (175), showing he’s not just safe — he’s progressive.

As a left-back last season, he maintained an 89.3% pass success rate, the highest among Eredivisie full-backs, while ranking second for total passes completed. Even from a wider position, his calmness and clarity on the ball remained evident.

Numbers That Speak for Themselves

Since the start of the 2023-24 season, no player born after January 1, 2003, has logged more minutes in Europe’s top six leagues than Hato. He leads that group with 8,347 minutes played, ahead of names like Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal.

He also led Ajax in minutes played in the Eredivisie during both campaigns, a testament to the trust placed in him by multiple coaches.

Adding Attacking Output

Hato chipped in with six assists last season, tied for most by any Ajax player in the Eredivisie and second only to Souffian El Karouani among league defenders. His ability to create chances from the back adds another dimension to his already complete profile.

A Chelsea-Style Signing That Actually Makes Sense

Maresca’s philosophy is built around ball control, tactical discipline, and composure from the back. Hato checks every box. He’s tactically aware, technically gifted, and already seasoned well beyond his years.

While Chelsea’s recent spending habits have often seemed chaotic, this potential move feels different. Hato isn’t just another wonderkid to stash away. He’s ready to play, ready to lead, and ready to grow with the team.

If Chelsea can seal this one, it might be one of the smartest signings of the summer.