Jorrel Hato has learned of his Chelsea shirt number ahead of a potential debut this weekend.
Hato completed a move to Stamford Bridge last Sunday from Ajax in a deal worth £37million, plus add-ons and is set to play a key role under Enzo Maresca in the 2025-26 campaign.
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A versatile defender who can play full-back and centre-back, the Dutchman was initially expected to provide competition and cover for Marc Cucurella.
However, an unfortunate injury blow to Levi Colwill - who has successfully undergone knee surgery - could mean Hato is needed in central defence if the Blues do not go out and sign a replacement.
With that said, Hato has been handed the No21 shirt at Stamford Bridge and he could wear it for the first time tonight when Chelsea host Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly.
“I’m very excited and so happy to be here,” he said after joining the club. “I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career.
“Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I’m very happy.”
Salomon Kalou, Nemanja Matic, Ryan Bertrand, Jody Morris and Hernan Crespo are among the previous owners of the Chelsea No21 shirt, but this decision means Ben Chilwell is now without a squad number.
The left-back is back at Chelsea after spending the second half of last season out on loan at Crystal Palace, though this is another clear indication that he does not have a long-term future at the club.
Along with Raheem Sterling, Chilwell was one of nine players omitted from the Blues’ new squad list that was published on the club website at the beginning of the week.
