Why Did Jorrel Hato Join Chelsea?
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Synopsis
Chelsea has secured promising Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax, who at just 19, is making a significant career move. Learn about his journey, why he chose Chelsea, and what this means for his future.
Key Takeaways
- Jorrel Hato has joined Chelsea from Ajax.
- He signed a long-term deal running until 2032.
- Hato aims to adapt to Chelsea's playing style.
- He captained Ajax at just 17.
- The defender has already debuted for the Netherlands.
London, Aug 4 (NationPress) Chelsea has officially confirmed the acquisition of Jorrel Hato, a Netherlands international, from Ajax. The 19-year-old defender has signed a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge, extending through to 2032, and is set to integrate with his new teammates this week.
Hato marks Chelsea's eighth signing in the current summer transfer window, having made 31 league appearances last season, where he scored twice and contributed six assists, aiding Ajax in securing UEFA Champions League football with a commendable second-place league finish.
In a statement to the club's official website, Hato shared his thoughts on why now is the perfect time for him to advance his career and why he believes Chelsea is the ideal destination.
"I was contemplating my future, and this opportunity aligns with my aspirations. I believe I can seamlessly adapt to Chelsea's style of play, which gave me confidence in my decision to join the club.
"It certainly was a significant choice for me. I spent seven years at Ajax, which felt like home—surrounded by the people, players, coaches, and the culture. Leaving was challenging, but I felt it was time to step up to the biggest club competing in the most prestigious tournaments, making this decision timely and right for me," stated Hato.
Hato's football journey began with local club Sparta before he joined Ajax's youth academy back in 2018. He signed his first professional contract at the remarkably young age of 16 in 2022 and quickly made a name for himself in both the UEFA Youth League and with Jong Ajax, the club's reserve team.
That same year, he made history by becoming the third-youngest player to debut for Ajax in the Eredivisie at just 16 years old during a match against Cambuur. By the season's end, he was starting in the Dutch Cup final.
Since the commencement of the 2023/24 season, Hato has been a key player for Ajax. He is versatile enough to play both as a central defender and as a left-back, frequently occupying the latter position in the past season. Remarkably, he captained Ajax at the age of 17.
On the international scene, Hato's trajectory has also been impressive. He made his senior debut for the Netherlands at 17 and has already accumulated six caps, in addition to captaining the Dutch team at the UEFA Under-21 European Championship this summer.
Point of View
Jorrel Hato's move to Chelsea represents a significant milestone not only in his career but also highlights Chelsea's commitment to investing in young talent. As he transitions from Ajax, a revered club, to Chelsea, the expectations will be high, but his potential is undeniable. This move exemplifies the ever-evolving landscape of football and the importance of nurturing young players.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Jorrel Hato's career achievements?
Jorrel Hato has made significant strides in his career, including 31 league appearances for Ajax last season, scoring two goals, and providing six assists. He also captained Ajax and made his senior debut for the Netherlands at 17.
Why did Jorrel Hato leave Ajax?
Hato left Ajax to take a significant step forward in his career, believing Chelsea to be the right club for his development and an opportunity to compete in top-tier tournaments.
How long is Hato's contract with Chelsea?
Jorrel Hato has signed a long-term contract with Chelsea that extends until 2032.
What position does Jorrel Hato play?
Hato is versatile, playing both as a central defender and as a left-back, and has captained his team at a young age.
What are Hato's international accomplishments?
He has earned six caps for the Netherlands and captained the Dutch U21 team at the UEFA European Championship.
