Chelsea are making waves in the transfer market as they close in on a sensational double Dutch swoop for Ajax’s prodigious defender Jorrel Hato and RB Leipzig’s dynamic attacker Xavi Simons. With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, the Blues are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build a squad capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe, fresh off their Club World Cup triumph in the United States.
Enzo Maresca’s side, buoyed by their third-place Premier League finish last term and a triumphant return to the Champions League, have already secured an impressive haul of talent. The arrivals of Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Dario Essugo, and the highly-rated Estevao Willian signal Chelsea’s intent to blend youth with flair. However, the club’s ambition doesn’t stop there, as they target reinforcements in defence and attack to maintain their upward trajectory.
At the heart of Chelsea’s transfer strategy are Jorrel Hato, a 19-year-old defensive sensation from Ajax, and Xavi Simons, a 22-year-old Dutch international whose versatility and creativity have made him one of Europe’s most coveted attackers. Both players are reportedly eager to join the Stamford Bridge revolution.
Hato, a composed and versatile centre-back, has already informed Ajax of his desire to depart this summer. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, personal terms have been agreed, with Chelsea and Ajax negotiating a €40m fee to finalize the move. Meanwhile, Simons, currently shining at RB Leipzig, is keen on testing himself in the Premier League. Chelsea are on the verge of securing personal terms with the attacker, with an opening bid to Leipzig expected imminently.
The potential arrival of Hato and Simons has sparked intrigue not only for their on-pitch contributions but also for the shirt numbers they might don at Stamford Bridge. Hato currently wears the no.4 at Ajax, while Simons sports the no.10 at Leipzig. However, both numbers are already taken at Chelsea, setting the stage for some controversial decisions.
The no.4 is currently worn by defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who joined the club last summer, while the no.10 was recently reassigned from Mykhailo Mudryk to Cole Palmer, a move that raised eyebrows among fans. With Hato and Simons potentially eyeing these iconic numbers, Chelsea may need to navigate a delicate situation to accommodate their new stars.
Fortunately, several shirt numbers remain available. The no.11, vacated by Noni Madueke following his move to Arsenal, is a prime candidate, alongside nos. 13, 26, 28, 31, and 33. Additionally, Axel Disasi’s expected departure could free up the no.2, and Ben Chilwell’s potential exit might make the no.21 available. New signings Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian also face the same dilemma, as they are yet to confirm their shirt numbers for the upcoming campaign.
While Chelsea’s focus is on securing their targets, the club is equally determined to streamline their squad. With the first team set to return to Cobham in early August, several outgoings are expected to be finalized before the transfer window slams shut. The potential departures of Disasi and Chilwell could pave the way for Hato and Simons to seamlessly integrate into the squad, both on the pitch and in the shirt number hierarchy.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Hato and Simons underscores their commitment to building a squad that blends youthful exuberance with tactical nous. Hato’s defensive solidity and Simons’ attacking flair could prove transformative as the Blues aim to challenge for major honours in the Premier League and Champions League. However, the allocation of shirt numbers promises to add an extra layer of drama to this exciting transfer saga.
As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see how Chelsea navigate these high-profile arrivals and the contentious shirt number decisions that come with them. One thing is certain: the Blues are making bold moves to cement their status as a footballing powerhouse.