Dutch Fullback Jorrel Hato Completes Chelsea Switch From Ajax—-Chelsea announced the signing of 19-year-old Ajax defender Jorrel Hato penning the Dutchman to a seven-year contract through 2032 in a deal worth €44.18 million (£38.5 million, $51.2 million)
“I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here. I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I’m very happy,” Hato said in the announcement.
Hato garnered international interest rising through the ranks as a left back for Ajax. The talented defender is the third-youngest player to debut for Ajax and has already captained one of the biggest clubs in the world at just 17. He made over 30 appearances in the Eredivisie in each of the last two seasons, winning the Talent of the Year award last campaign. He also has six caps for the Netherlands national team.
Hato joins João Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap as notable Chelsea signings this summer as Enzo Maresca revamps his squad heading into his second year in charge. Primarily a left back, Hato made 46 appearances last season for Ajax as the Eredvisie side finished second to PSV Eindhoven. Ajax were also bounced from the UEFA Europa League in the round of 16 by Eintracht Frankfurt.
Chelsea’s total outlay for all signings crossed over €280 million (£244 million, $324.6 million), surpassing last year’s hefty spend with a month of the window remaining.
Multiple clubs were interested in the Dutchman’s services, including Arsenal, but Hato was convinced what step was best for him at this point.
“For sure it was a big decision. I played seven years at Ajax and for me it was home—the people, the players, the coaches, the culture. So it was not easy to leave, but my feeling was that at this moment I needed to make a step to the biggest club in the biggest competitions, and for me this was the right decision at the right time,” Hato said in his first interview with the club’s official website.
Chelsea announced Hato will join up with the FIFA Club World Cup champions this week as he prepares to acclimate himself to his new home. Showing versatility as both a fullback and centre back, Hato could compete for minutes in multiple positions in a side expected to push on after finishing top four and winning both the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup.
Former Chelsea FC captain César Azpilicueta has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
The Spanish defender confirmed that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades.
He shared this news via his social media handles.
Azpilicueta enjoyed his most successful years at Chelsea after joining the club from Marseille in 2012. During his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, he made more than 500 appearances and became the first player in the club’s history to win every major trophy available.
As Chelsea captain, Azpilicueta famously lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, adding to Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs during his time in London.
Following his departure from Chelsea in 2023, the veteran defender spent two seasons with Atlético Madrid before joining Sevilla FC for the final chapter of his career.
Azpilicueta also represented Spain at international level, earning 44 senior caps and featuring in multiple FIFA World Cups and European Championships.
In an emotional farewell message, the defender admitted it was difficult to make the decision but thanked supporters, teammates, coaches and clubs who shaped his journey in football.
Tributes have since poured in from fans and former teammates, with many describing Azpilicueta as one of Chelsea’s greatest modern-day captains and one of the most respected defenders of his generation.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made several major selection decisions after leaving Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the Three Lions’ final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The omissions have quickly sparked debate among fans and pundits, with both players considered among England’s biggest talents in recent years.
According to reports, Tuchel opted for balance, tactical flexibility, and current form when finalising his 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Palmer’s exclusion comes despite the Chelsea star’s strong performances over the last two seasons, while Alexander-Arnold reportedly missed out due to tactical preferences and competition in defensive areas.
The squad announcement also saw several surprise inclusions, including Ivan Toney and Djed Spence, while experienced names such as Jordan Henderson earned recalls.
Other notable absentees include Harry Maguire and Phil Foden as Tuchel reshapes the squad ahead of England’s World Cup campaign.
England will head into the tournament hoping to end decades of hurt and finally lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1966.
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