Skip to main content

CHELSEA SHOCKER: £35m Deal for Ajax Starlet Hato Almost Done – Xavi Simons Also on Radar!

Chelsea are on the verge of a sensational transfer coup, with negotiations for Ajax’s teenage prodigy Jorrel Hato nearing completion and talks underway for RB Leipzig’s dynamic forward Xavi Simons. The Blues are flexing their financial muscle in a bold bid to bolster their squad under Enzo Maresca, signaling their intent to compete at the highest level.

At just 19, Jorrel Hato is already a household name in Dutch football. The versatile defender, capable of seamlessly slotting into left-back or central defense, has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, and a £35m (€40m) deal with Ajax is in its final stages. Hato’s meteoric rise is nothing short of remarkable—having made over 100 first-team appearances for Ajax, he became the club’s youngest-ever captain at 17 in 2023. Weeks later, he marked his senior international debut for the Netherlands, earning six caps since.

Hato’s composure, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game have drawn comparisons to some of Europe’s elite defenders. His standout performances for the Netherlands Under-21 side at the recent European Championship in Slovakia further cemented his reputation as one of the continent’s brightest prospects. For Maresca, Hato’s arrival promises much-needed depth and flexibility at the back, offering a long-term solution in two key defensive roles.

Not content with one blockbuster signing, Chelsea have set their sights on RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, a 22-year-old forward whose versatility and flair have made him one of Europe’s most coveted talents. Fresh off a €50m permanent move from Paris Saint-Germain to Leipzig in January, following two stellar loan spells, Simons is reportedly the subject of a potential €70m transfer to Stamford Bridge. Despite interest from Bayern Munich, the Dutch international is said to favor a move to the Premier League, giving Chelsea a significant edge.

Simons’ ability to play across multiple attacking positions—whether as a winger, attacking midfielder, or false nine—makes him a perfect fit for Maresca’s fluid system. His vision, dribbling, and knack for decisive moments have already earned him 12 senior caps for the Netherlands, and his potential arrival could ignite Chelsea’s forward line.

The Blues have been busy reshaping their squad this summer, with Liam Delap, João Pedro, and Jamie Gittens already through the door. Meanwhile, departures have also made headlines, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke, and Djordje Petrovic moving on, and João Félix sealing a £44m switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr on Tuesday.

As Chelsea close in on Hato and Simons, the message is clear: Maresca is building a squad brimming with youth, versatility, and ambition. With these potential signings, the Blues are not just planning for the present—they’re laying the foundation for a new era of dominance.