Chelsea have agreed a £37m deal to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, with the transfer subject to approval from the Dutch club’s supervisory board.
The 19-year-old is set to sign a seven-year contract running until 2032 and will undergo a medical after being cleared to travel to London.
Hato, who can play both as a centre-back and left-back, broke into Ajax’s senior team in February 2023 at 16 years and 335 days, becoming the club’s third-youngest Eredivisie debutant.
He has since made 75 appearances and earned his first Netherlands cap last year.
Ajax opted to cash in on the highly rated defender to raise funds after two seasons without Champions League revenue.
Chelsea, nearing the end of their summer business, are still eyeing an attacker and have spoken to RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons’ camp but have yet to bid.
The club also plans further outgoings, with Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson among potential departures.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and several other unwanted players continue to train away from Enzo Maresca’s first team.
