With Chelsea stepping up their pursuit of Pep Chavarria, it’s become clear as to how both he and Jorrel Hato will fit into Xabi Alonso’s side.
Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid has seen Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso swiftly restructure the left side of his defence.
And as a part of that, Jorrel Hato is expected to take a major step forward. His recent heartbreak with the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup means Alonso gets even longer than he may have thought with the defender, with his making him highly valued heading into the new season.
Chelsea have also entered advanced club-to-club negotiations with Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria to provide vital depth.
Chelsea’s plans for Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria
Nizaar Kinsella has shared that Chelsea’s idea is for Jorrel Hato to replace Cucurella and then Chavarria will become an “option” at left back / left wing back.
Xabi Alonso has already pointed towards giving Hato an enormous role at Chelsea, but some may not have expected to be at wing-back.
The only issue is whether he has the attacking capabilities to operate at wing-back, as we’ve only really seen him in a defensive capacity at Chelsea so far.
Do you want to see Pep Chavarria, Marco Palestra or Jorrel Hato at left-back next season?
Chavarria didn't do a bad job in the Conference League final against Crystal Palace
Chelsea’s full-back situation right now
Chelsea are working on both full-back positions under Xabi Alonso.
The signing of Chavarria and Hato already being at the club means that Valentin Barco will likely play in the middle of midfield rather than at full-back. However, having a team of versatile players like Barco means that they can interchange whenever injuries and issues arise.
Now the right flank is getting its own makeover. Atalanta’s Marco Palestra has joined to bolster depth, but Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement with Malo Gusto, so it balances it out.
And, there is Josh Acheampong, who is being used as a right-back under Alonso.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
