The Chelsea club's homepage announced that the transfer of young player Jorrel Hato from Ajax with the transfer fee was reported of £ 37 million.
“Chelsea rejoice in announcing that she signed a contract with the Dutch player, Jorrel Hato from Ajax. The 19 -year -old defender signed a long -term contract with the team until 2032 and will reunite with new teammates this week,” Chelsea was announced.
“I am very excited and extremely happy to be here,” Hato said. “I have thought a lot about the future and want to take one more step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do it, so I'm very happy.”
“Of course, it is strange to break up with people in the Netherlands, but for me, this is a new journey with new people in a new culture, a new team, new tournaments,” Hato added.
Referring to the decision to leave Ajax when he was too young to reach a big team like Chelsea, Hato said: “It is definitely a big decision. I have played for 7 years in Ajax and for me, this place like home – people, players, coaches, culture. Therefore, it is not easy to leave, but I feel that at this time, I need to go to the biggest club, this is the biggest decision, this is the biggest decision, this is the biggest decision, this is the biggest decision, this is the biggest decision, this is the biggest decision At the right time “.
Born in Rotterdam, Hato started his football journey with the local team Sparta before moving to Ajax's youth academy in 2018. He signed his first professional contract in 2022 at the age of 16 and quickly made a mark at both UEFA Youth League and Jong Ajax, the reserve team of the club.
That same year, Hato became the third youngest player who debuted Ajax in the Dutch league, at the age of 16, in the match against Cambuur. At the end of the season, he was kicked in the final of the Netherlands Cup – a testament to the rapid promotion of the player who was considered to be the future of Dutch football.
Since the beginning of the 2023/24 season, Hato has almost always present in the Ajax squad. He played well in the center of the defense as well as the left -back, and most often was the left -back position in the last season. Hato is strong in fighting the ball, freely leading the ball to the front and leadership skills far beyond age. He used to be captain Ajax when he was only 17 years old.
In the international arena, Hato's advancement is equally impressive. He launched the Dutch national team at the age of 17 and had 6 caps, and the captain of the Dutch team in the U21 European finals this summer.