Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato plan makes total sense with £43m target now crucial

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Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato is set for a promotion next season following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid.

Cucurella’s departure means the left-back spot in Chelsea’s starting XI is up for grabs, and the expectation is that Hato will take it.

The Dutchman impressed in the second half of the previous campaign, while Chelsea are not targeting an elite name to replace Cucurella.

Chelsea signing Pep Chavarria to support Jorrel Hato would be very sensible

While Chelsea are not looking at any world-class left-backs right now, they are being linked with Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria.

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

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According to TEAMtalk, despite Hato’s fantastic finish to last season, the Blues still think it would be beneficial to bring in Chavarria to add depth to the left-back position.

With that in mind, the plan appears to be starting Hato at left-back while Chavarria challenges him for the spot.

It makes perfect sense, as there are many games to play, while injuries and bad runs of form are inevitable.

Hato is still quite young at just 20 years of age. You cannot ask him to start every game next term.

Rayo are not happy with Chelsea’s pursuit of Chavarria, but triggering his release clause, which is set at €50m (£42.7m), according to COPE, should appease the Spanish club.

Jorrel Hato’s future may not even be at left-back

As the 2026/27 season progresses, Chavarria could very well find himself as Chelsea’s first-choice left-back if he does join the Blues.

• READ MORE: What Xabi Alonso’s backline could look like once Chelsea sign Pep Chavarria

Hato may be capable of playing at left-back, but his best games last season arguably came when he was being used in central defence.

The Netherlands international is so composed on the ball, can read his opponent well and is also quite aggressive at times. Simply put, he has the attributes of a modern-day centre-half and could be used in the centre next term. It is another reason why Chelsea would be wise to sign Chavarria or another left-back.