Chelsea sign young Dutch defender Hato from Ajax for reported £37M

Chelsea signed teenage Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal price a reported £37 million ($49 million) on Sunday.

Hato, who has been capped six instances, agreed a seven-year contract with the Premier League membership.

The 19-year-old is Chelsea’s eighth signing because the finish of final season as boss Enzo Maresca strengths his squad to deal with the duel calls for of the Premier League and Champions League this time period.

“I am very excited, I am so joyful to be right here,” stated Hato, who can function in central defence or at left-back.

“I assumed loads about my future and wished to take the subsequent step in my profession. Chelsea is the very best place for me to try this so I am very joyful.”

Hato joined Ajax’s academy from hometown membership Sparta Rotterdam in 2018 and signed his first skilled contract aged 16 4 years later.

He scored 4 objectives in 111 appearances for the Eredivisie giants, along with his worldwide debut coming as an alternative in opposition to Gibraltar in 2023.

Membership World Cup champions Chelsea start their Premier League marketing campaign at dwelling to Crystal Palace on August 17.

The Blues had signed Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Mamadou Sarr, Dario Essugo, Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez previous to touchdown Hato.