Jorrel Hato: New Chelsea defender ignores Terry, names idol in stunning revelation

New Chelsea signing Jorrel Hato has named his idol shortly after completing his £35.5m initial fee move from Ajax to the Premier League side.

Chelsea confirmed the signing of the Dutch defender on a long-term contract extending to 2032. 

The 19-year-old expressed his excitement about joining the club, stating that the Blues are the ideal environment for the next stage of his career. 

Hato, originally from Rotterdam, started at local club Sparta before joining Ajax’s youth academy in 2018. 

The teenager made his professional debut at just 16 years old, becoming the third-youngest player in Ajax history. 

Hato’s rise was notable during the 2022-23 season when he started in the Dutch Cup final. He remained a prominent figure in Ajax's first team from the outset of the 2023-24 season, demonstrating versatility as both a central defender and left-back, with a preference for the latter position. 

Known for his strong tackling, ball-carrying ability and unexpected leadership skills for his age, he captained Ajax at 17. 

Hato has also made significant strides on the international stage, earning six caps for the Netherlands since his debut at 17 and captaining the team at the recent UEFA U21 European Championship.

In a quickfire Q&A, Hato was asked a surfeit of questions from his favourite position to his reason for leaving Ajax for Chelsea this summer. 

When asked who his idol is, the young Dutch defender named former Blues defender Thiago Silva, who played for the West London club for four seasons before departing in 2024. 

Hato is skilled at both left-back and centre-back, although the Dutchman is expected to cover at left-back for Enzo Maresca’s team. 

Given that Marc Cucurella was often required to play significant minutes due to the lack of suitable and versatile replacements, Hato’s arrival means that the Spaniard not only gains a capable understudy but also a player who can challenge him for a spot in the side.