Tottenham-linked Ajax’s talented teenage defender Jorrel Hato has been in talks to sign with Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur may have to move quickly to seal a move for one of their defensive targets of the summer transfer window.
With Cristian Romero’s future uncertain, Ajax defender Jorrel Hato has emerged as a target for the Lilywhites. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders after an impressive campaign in the Eredivisie. He was a standout performer for his side in the 2024-25 campaign, making 50 appearances.
At such a tender age, the Dutchman has shown a lot of potential and already racked up 111 appearances under his belt for Ajax, thanks to his meteoric rise to prominence since graduating to the senior team a couple of years ago. Unsurprisingly, Jorrel Hato has caught the attention of several clubs across Europe, but he is now in line for a Premier League switch.
Chelsea open talks with Ajax for Jorrel Hato
According to a report from BBC Sport, Chelsea have opened talks with Ajax over a move for Hato. They are in direct communication with both the Eredivisie club and the player’s camp to explore the possibility of a summer transfer. Talks are understood to be in the early stages, with no agreement yet in place.
This means Tottenham are facing a race against time to sign Hato after Chelsea have started talks with Ajax. Spurs have loaned out young centre-backs Alfie Dorrington and Ashley Phillips to Aberdeen and Stoke City, respectively. Romero has been heavily linked to Atletico Madrid and it is not yet known whether he will leave or stay at the club this summer.
What should Tottenham do?
Interestingly, Hato largely played as a left-back last campaign, demonstrating his versatility. As Tottenham’s centre-back department is well-stocked even after the loan exits of Phillips and Dorrington, they could view Hato as an option to cover and compete with Destiny Udogie at left-back.
Udogie is now the only natural left-back in Thomas Frank’s squad after Sergio Reguilon was released after the expiry of his contract. As the North Londoners are set to compete in the Champions League next term, reinforcing the left-back department is an absolute must. Hato, in that regard, would be an exciting option, but Chelsea are working hard to sign him from Ajax.
That said, Spurs must make a late dash and try hijacking the Blues’ move for the Dutchman.
