Chelsea has bought Ajax’s experienced boy, as strange as it may sound

Chelsea has chosen their left-back for the long haul. Jorrel Hato, a wonderkid and the youngest captain in Ajax’s history, is officially the newest player of the World Champions. The transfer of the young left-footed defender was completed for about 45 milion, making Hato the fifth most expensive player in Ajax’s history.

The 19-year-old, born on March 7, 2006, joined Ajax’s youth academy in 2018 and made his senior debut on January 11, 2023, against Den Bosch in the Dutch Cup, at just 16 years, 10 months, and 23 days old.

He quickly made history, becoming not only the fifth youngest debutant in the club’s history but also the youngest captain ever to lead the famous Dutch giants. Judging by Hato’s performances, few players at 19 show such maturity.

Over two seasons in the first team, he accumulated 111 appearances, scored four goals, and provided 10 assists. He also won several prestigious awards, first the "Abdelhak Nouri Trophy" for the best academy youth player, followed by the "Johan Cruyff Trophy" as the most promising young player in the Eredivisie.

His departure comes as Chelsea, under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, embarks on a new era. Last season, the Blues won the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, and now they return to the Champions League for the first time since 2023.

At Stamford Bridge, Hato will compete for the left-back spot with Marc Cucurella, but due to his versatility, he will also challenge for center-back positions alongside Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabiojo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Mamadou Sakho.

His first chance to wear the blue jersey is expected on August 8 in a friendly against Bayer Leverkusen, while his Premier League debut may come nine days later when Chelsea hosts Crystal Palace.

Jorrel Hato, at just 19 years old with the maturity of a seasoned professional, arrives not only as a prospect but as a symbol of a new wave and ambition for one of England’s most decorated clubs. If Ajax’s history is any indication, Chelsea has brought in a gem with a captain’s armband that will dominate the left flank for years to come.