Chelsea and Ajax are close to finalising a deal for defender Jorrel Hato. Talks between both clubs progressed steadily through Monday, with all parties now working on final contract details.
Sources around Stamford Bridge confirm that Chelsea are confident of sealing the transfer. The club sees Hato as a long-term investment and part of their future defensive core. He is expected to agree personal terms quickly, with a long-term deal already in place.
The 18-year-old left-footed centre-back has impressed in the Eredivisie with his calm positioning, pace, and maturity on the ball. Chelsea have followed his development for months and are moving quickly to beat competition from rival clubs.
Ajax have accepted that the move is now inevitable. The structure of the agreement includes fixed and performance-based payments, with Hato expected to travel to London for medicals within days.
Chelsea’s transfer team, led by sporting director Paul Winstanley, are working to close all formalities before the week ends. Hato is seen as a high-upside signing who can grow into a first-team role or provide immediate depth.
His arrival follows Chelsea’s ongoing focus on young talent with high resale value. The club’s recruitment in recent windows has included profiles similar to Hato’s – technically sharp defenders with composure under pressure and ability to build from the back.
Ajax will move to reinvest part of the incoming fee, as they prepare for their Europa League qualification campaign. The Dutch side have already lined up internal replacements but recognise the difficulty of replacing Hato’s unique profile.
Chelsea are expected to announce the deal once final documentation is exchanged. Fans can expect an official unveiling once the player completes his medical and media duties.
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