Chelsea pursuit of highly rated Dutch defender Jorrel Hato is gathering pace, with negotiations between the Blues and Ajax set to continue this week. The 19-year-old regarded as one of the most promising defensive talents in Europe has made it clear that he only wants to join the club World Cup Champions.
One of Chelsea’s clear goals this summer is to reinforce the centre-back position. The Blues are planning to sign two centre-backs, depending on the conditions. Hato is considered one of the top names on the list.
Softfootball understands that Hato is completely sold on Enzo Maresca’s project and sees the move as the best way to fire his career. Chelsea also see him as a footing in their defensive rebuild and are eager to push through the deal.
Chelsea and Ajax back in direct talks now, working to complete the deal in coming days. The conversations are moving in the right direction, but a deal hasn’t been struck. Chelsea are still positive of getting a deal done before the week is out.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, he shared on his X handle that both clubs will resume direct contact at the start of the new week as they work to finalise an agreement for the 19-year-old centre-back.
Romano reports that talks are already well underway, and Chelsea are increasingly optimistic about sealing the deal. The tweet reads:
“Understand Chelsea and Ajax will be again in direct contact from start of new week for Jorrel Hato deal.
Hato has been clear with Ajax: he only wants Chelsea, the contract is ready… up to the clubs.
Talks well underway”.
The 19-year-old is a defender who can play as a left back or a centre back, and he is likely to be coming in to provide competition for current left back Marc Cucurella. At the moment Chelsea don’t really have a backup option for Cucurella, at least not a natural one.
Hato will also be a good option to play in the inverted full back role due to the fact he can play centrally as well and is just a very good footballer, and then as well as this he can provide further cover in the centre back areas.
