For every Cucurella, there's a proper replacement - and this one is of African origins
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Reading Time: 1min | Mon. 28.07.25. | 13:33
Chelsea are close to agreeing on a deal with Jorrel Hato of Ajax Amsterdam
The news that Marc Cucurella could leave Chelsea to join Al Nassr triggered many other movements, including those at Stamford Bridge.
According to The Athletic, the Blues are now pursuing a deal to sign Ajax Amsterdam's defender Jorrel Hato.
The two clubs have yet to reach an agreement, but they are getting close to sealing around €40million. Personal terms are apparently already in place for the 19-year-old Netherlands international, who also has African (Cabo Verde) origins.
🚨🇳🇱 Chelsea mantain total confidence to sign both Jorrel Hato and Xavi Simons.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2025
Negotiations continue this week with Ajax after total agreement with Hato last week, deal close.
Xavi Simons wants Chelsea and talks with RB Leipzig on the fee/structure of the deal are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/3gIxag4mbQ
Chelsea opened discussions with Ajax earlier this month about a move for Hato. Interestingly, Arsenal also inquired about Hato in January 2024, but he signed a new five-year contract with Ajax last July.
Hato has already made 111 first-team appearances for Ajax and has captained the side. He's primarily a left-back, but was also deployed as a centre-back.
He has also made six senior appearances for the Netherlands.
Chelsea has already signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens for this transfer window.
