Summer transfer deal near completion for Chelsea with agreement in place
Chelsea Secure Defender Jorrel Hato Ahead of Premier League Return
Chelsea have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of Jorrel Hato from Ajax. The Dutch defender, who can play in both left-back and central defense, has agreed terms on a seven-year contract with the London club.
The transfer, set to cost Chelsea around €43million (approximately £37m), is expected to take the club's spending past the £250million mark in the 2023 summer transfer window. This spending, which includes the recent signing of Hato, makes the 2023-24 summer window the biggest in football history.
Hato, who made his senior Ajax debut at the age of 16, has already appeared for the club 111 times. Since making his international debut as a 17-year-old in 2023, he has won six caps for the Netherlands.
The arrival of Hato follows a flurry of transfer activity by Chelsea, who have signed 11 players for more than £10 million, with six costing over £30 million. The club's focus has been on young talent, with key acquisitions such as Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo forming the core of their new squad.
Regarding other targets for moves, detailed current transfer targets beyond Hato are not explicitly mentioned. However, Chelsea's ongoing interest in defensive reinforcements is suggested by their total defender expenditure reaching around €395.2 million (£347.1 million) in the 2023 summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have seen seven players make permanent exits this summer, including Noni Madueke, who left for Arsenal for £52million.
Maresca's side will play two pre-season friendlies at Stamford Bridge ahead of the new season. The first, against German side Bayer Leverkusen on August 8, will be followed by a clash against AC Milan two days later. The exact date for Hato's Chelsea debut is yet to be confirmed, as Chelsea are yet to return to action following the Club World Cup.
In addition to Hato, Chelsea are still being linked with young talents Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons, who could join the club this summer. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could still leave Chelsea, with Fulham making an approach to sign him.
As the new season approaches, Chelsea fans will be eager to see how the new signings, including Jorrel Hato, perform in the Premier League. The Blues begin their campaign at home to Crystal Palace on August 17.
- The Premier League will welcome Jorrel Hato to Chelsea, as the Dutch defender joins the London club after his transfer from Ajax.
- Despite the massive spending in this summer's transfer window, Chelsea still have their eyes on additional signings such as Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons.
- Jorrel Hato's Chelsea debut hasn't been confirmed yet due to the club's upcoming participation in the Club World Cup.
- Football enthusiasts across Europe and beyond will be closely following the Premier League, as Chelsea prepares for their season opener against Crystal Palace.
- As Chelsea gears up for the new season, MMA aficionados and NFL fans alike might find themselves short of sports entertainment during the off-season, as most eyes turn towards the Pozzo family's Premier League side.
