Chelsea has signed young defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax for £38.6m (€44.2m). Hato, 19, has committed to a seven-year contract, remaining until the 2031-32 season. Previously, he played 31 times in the Eredivisie, scoring twice and registering six assists, ranking second among defenders for assists. Ajax's technical director acknowledged Hato's talent and expressed regret over his departure, while wishing him success in the Premier League. Hato is Chelsea's ninth signing this summer as they aim to improve after last season's fourth-place finish.
Hato, who can play at both centre-back and left-back, featured 31 times in the Eredivisie last season, making 30 starts. He scored twice and laid on six assists, with only Utrecht's Souffian El Karouani (eight) providing more assists among defenders in the competition.
Ajax technical director Alex Kroes acknowledged the club wanted to keep Hato, but accepted his desire to play in the Premier League. He said: "With Jorrel's departure, we lose one of our key figures in defence. He is not only a tremendous talent and a great player, but he also has an excellent character and personality."
Hato has joined the Blues, who won the Club World Cup last month, in a deal worth £38.6m (€44.2m). The 19-year-old has signed a seven-year deal, keeping him at Chelsea through to the end of the 2031-32 season.
"I'm very excited, I'm so happy to be here," Hato told Chelsea's official website. "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."
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