Chelsea has formally opened negotiations with Ajax for highly rated defender Jorrel Hato, with the Dutch starlet emerging as the club’s next top transfer priority, Softfootball understands.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the London club has now made official club-to-club contact with Ajax. Hato, 18, is one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe, having captained Ajax on multiple occasions last season and earned senior international recognition with the Netherlands.
He wrote on his X handle as:
“EXCL: Chelsea have now made official club-to-club contact with Ajax for Jorrel Hato as next top priority!
Hato, understood to be keen on the move and already prepared to accept personal terms at #CFC. Negotiations are ongoing with very good relationship between clubs.”
Sources have told Softfootball that Chelsea has laid the groundwork on personal terms, with the player understood to be keen on the move to Stamford Bridge. Hato sees the Premier League as the next logical step in his development, and the Chelsea project under Enzo Maresca is believed to be particularly appealing.
Negotiations between Chelsea and Ajax are now underway, with insiders describing the relationship between the two clubs as “very good.” That positive rapport could help smooth discussions, especially as Chelsea looks to structure a deal that reflects both Hato’s immediate potential and long-term upside.
The left-footed centre-back, who can also operate at left-back, fits Chelsea’s recruitment strategy of investing in young, versatile talent with elite-level potential. He has been likened to being a good pair with Levi Colwill, who is usually placed in an offensive role under Maresca’s system. Chelsea are moving decisively to reinforce their backline.
Hato made 43 senior appearances for Ajax last season across all competitions, showcasing composure in possession, tactical intelligence, and maturity beyond his years. His leadership qualities and ability to play out from the back align with Chelsea’s stylistic demands for the new era.
While Hato’s talks have begun officially, Xavi Simons is also in the pipeline for the Londoners. Softfootball had earlier reported that Simon is a top priority for Chelsea, who are seeking a dependable midfielder as they compete in bigger competitions.
Winning the Club World Cup has placed Chelsea in an “expected” situation, unlike last season.
