Dutch Fullback Jorrel Hato Completes Chelsea Switch From Ajax

Published

9 months ago

August 3, 2025

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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.

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Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL

Published

2 days ago

April 14, 2026

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Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL—-Ousmane Dembélé starred with a brace as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, sealing a dominant 4-0 aggregate win to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

The French forward proved decisive on the night, scoring twice to end Liverpool’s European campaign and send the defending champions into the last four for a third consecutive season.

Liverpool’s night was further marred by a serious injury to Hugo Ekitiké, who was forced off in the first half with what appeared to be a severe leg issue, raising concerns over his availability for the remainder of the season.

Manager Arne Slot made bold selection calls, leaving Mohamed Salah on the bench initially, though the forward was introduced early following Ekitiké’s injury and nearly made an instant impact.

Despite flashes of pressure from Liverpool, PSG remained composed and dangerous on the counter. Dembélé broke the deadlock in the second half with a fine curling effort before adding a second in stoppage time from a Bradley Barcola assist.

Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback were also dashed when a penalty awarded for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister was overturned following a VAR review.

The defeat confirms a disappointing end to Liverpool’s European campaign, while PSG continue their title defence and will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

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Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals

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2 days ago

April 14, 2026

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Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals—-Atlético Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after edging Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of their quarter-final clash.

Barcelona made a blistering start at the Metropolitano, with Lamine Yamal opening the scoring early before Ferran Torres doubled their lead inside 24 minutes to level the tie on aggregate.

However, Atlético responded through Ademola Lookman, whose crucial strike restored his side’s aggregate advantage following their 2-0 first-leg win.

Diego Simeone’s men then held firm under intense pressure, with Barcelona’s hopes taking a major hit when Eric García was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sørloth as he raced through on goal.

Despite late attacking changes from coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona were unable to find the third goal needed to force extra time, as Atlético battled through a tense finish.

The result sees Atlético Madrid reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2017, keeping alive their dream of winning the competition for the first time in their history.

They will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.

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