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Real Madrid considered signing ‘fantastic’ talent before he decided to join Chelsea

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Real Madrid could have handed Chelsea another setback during the transfer window.

Chelsea were interested in signing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, but the central defender ended up joining Real Madrid instead.

It was a blow for the Blues; however, they are still set to land another defender despite Real Madrid having also shown an interest in him.

Another attacker could be on his way to Stamford Bridge as well, as Chelsea are currently targeting Xavi Simons.

Jorrel Hato looks on ahead of AFC Ajax v R. Union Saint-Gilloise - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg
Photo by Teresa Kroeger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Real Madrid considered Jorrel Hato

Chelsea are close to signing Jorrel Hato from Ajax, but they are not the 19-year-old’s only admirers.

According to Defensa Central, Hato was also a name that Real Madrid considered, but they decided against making a bid for him in the end.

Hato has now agreed to join Chelsea, which may not be too much of a blow for Real Madrid, given that they did not make an offer for him.

However, the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool were thought to have been seriously interested in signing the Dutch defender this summer.

Hato has played alongside former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who has high praise for him. When Henderson spoke to Ajax’s official website after making his debut for the club, he described Hato as “fantastic”.

He is perhaps not fantastic enough yet, though, to be part of Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid squad.

Xabi Alonso looks dejected during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

How much Chelsea are paying to sign Jorrel Hato

Real Madrid may regret not going after Hato. He is still just 19 years old with a lot of potential, while the Netherlands international can play at left-back and centre-back.

Hato is available for a very good price as well in this current market. Chelsea will pay just £37m for Hato’s signature.

They got Huijsen, though, who was a defender both clubs really wanted. But Chelsea still have other centre-back options, while, again, Hato can also be used in that position. All in all, Chelsea will be very pleased with that particular piece of business.