Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato in a deal worth £37million, plus add-ons.
He has signed a seven-year deal, and joins as the Blues’ fourth signing of the summer. He follows Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens in moving to west London in this window.
The Dutchman is able to play as both a centre-back and a left-back. Standard Sport understands he has been brought in to provide competition for Marc Cucurella.
At 19, he is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top prospects. Chelsea pipped Arsenal in the race for his signature. He had also been linked with a move to Liverpool after being spotted at Anfield in January.
Speaking after signing, Hato said: “I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here.
“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.”
Hato played 31 Eredivisie matches for Ajax last season, scoring twice and notching six assists. He also played five times for the Netherlands at the U21 European Championships earlier this summer.
Chelsea show no signs of slowing in their transfer dealings and are now expected to ramp up attempts to sign another Dutchman: Xavi Simons.
The Leipzig forward was left out of the squad for a friendly clash with Atalanta last weekend amid reports he is close to joining the Blues.
