Chelsea Receive Major Boost in £34.7m Transfer Pursuit as Ajax Open to Cut-Price Deal

Chelsea may have received a major boost in their pursuit of Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato, with recent developments suggesting the Blues could secure the talented centre-back at a reduced price.

Despite already spending around £170 million this summer on five new additions—including Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens during the Club World Cup, as well as Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr—Chelsea remain active in the transfer market. The club is still targeting at least two more signings to strengthen their squad under new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Now, attention has turned to 18-year-old Hato, a highly rated prospect from Ajax. According to reports, Chelsea have made direct contact over a potential move, and could benefit from a £34.7 million discount due to Ajax’s internal decisions and willingness to offload players amid a rebuild.

The Blues’ recent success at the Club World Cup, where they emerged as UEFA’s first official world champions, brought in a significant windfall—£88.4 million in prize money. With over half of that figure already reinvested into new signings, Chelsea may use the remaining funds to push for Hato’s signature.

As interest grows around the Dutch defender, Chelsea’s early contact and Ajax’s openness to negotiations could give the West London club a key advantage. If successful, Hato would further bolster a young and dynamic defensive line as the team prepares for the new season under Maresca.