Chelsea Are Close To Recruiting This Defender: Good Signing For Maresca? | OneFootball

In a recent report, The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed that Chelsea are close to recruiting Ajax defender Jorrel Hato this summer. It has been revealed that the Blues have still not come to an agreement with the Dutch club but are willing to pay more than €40m for the gifted full-back this off-season.

Hato’s Impressive Rise In Dutch Football

Hato enjoyed a decent run of form at Ajax in the previous campaign when he produced a series of solid performances on the left side of their backline. The Dutch prospect made 50 appearances for his current employers last season, scoring three times and earning six assists in all competitions.

The 19-year-old performed his defensive duties well as he made 58 tackles, 35 blocks and 22 interceptions in the Dutch Eredivisie. He was even careful when distributing possession from the back after completing 89.4% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via fbref.com).

Hato is under contract at the Dutch club until the summer of 2028 which could make it tough for the Blues to sign him on a cut-price deal in this transfer period.

BACKA TOPOLA, SERBIA – AUGUST 01: Jorrel Hato celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round 2nd leg match between FK Vojvodina and FC Ajax at TSC Arena on August 01, 2024 in Backa Topola, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

Is Hato A Good Signing For Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca?

Hato loves a tackle and can sense the danger well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually clears his lines when needed and can even create a few decent chances for his teammates to score from the left flank.

The Dutch talent is an energetic runner with the ball as well. He mainly operates as a left-back but can also fill in as a central defender if asked to do so.

Hato would enhance the quality of Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca’s backline in the long run. He is already good enough to challenge for a regular first-team place at Stamford Bridge next season.

At 19, the future looks quite bright for Hato as long as he continues to improve with each year. However, he might need some time to adjust to the physical nature and high intensity of Premier League football. Still, the pros outweigh the cons of signing a defender of Hato’s potential. All in all, he would be a great signing for the Blues to pull off this summer.