What ‘Ajax’s management’ have told Chelsea after rejecting a serious offer for Jorrel Hato

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The transfer noise has grown louder recently regarding Chelsea’s interest in signing Ajax’s Jorrel Hato this summer.

Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, 19, has been linked with a potential move to Stamford Bridge.

Reports this week claimed that Chelsea and Hato have agreed personal terms, so now it’s up to the clubs to negotiate the player’s transfer. Incidentally, Ajax have asked about Chelsea youngster Ishe Samuels-Smith during conversations.

Hato, who can play left-back or centre-back, is exactly the type of profile the Blues need to sign because he would ease the burden on full-back Marc Cucurella next season.

• READ MORE: Footage re-emerges of Jorrel Hato battling Joao Pedro, Chelsea fans will be super excited

Chelsea fail with opening Jorrel Hato bid

According to ESPN, Dutch giants Ajax have rejected Chelsea’s first bid for Hato.

It is explained that the Blues made a ‘serious offer’ for the 19-year-old defender, but ‘Ajax’s management’ have sent back a counter-offer because they don’t want to let him go without a fight. Even though they would prefer to keep their academy graduate, they are considering the player’s desire to leave.

He played 50 games across all competitions last season for the Amsterdam club, so he would leave a major hole in their squad.

Chelsea jumped ahead of Liverpool in the race for Hato, who’s admired by Virgil van Dijk, but can they now get a deal over the line?

Even though he’s still a teenager, it’s worth noting he’s played 111 first-team matches for Ajax. He’s got six senior international caps for the Netherlands, too.

Jorrel Hato would be ideal understudy for Marc Cucurella

In the last 12 months, Cucurella belongs in the conversation for the world’s best and most consistent left-back.

Hato would be an excellent addition at Chelsea to compete and cover at left-back, where Cucurella has not had much support. Also, the Ajax talent can operate as a centre-half quite effectively.

If the Hato deal gets pushed over the line, Chelsea supporters should be really positive about the club’s squad building because everything is falling into place for an exciting 2025/26 season.