Chelsea receive transfer boost as target misses pre-season friendly amid talks over Stamford Bridge move

By Ben Sully | 24 Jul 2025 23:42, Last updated: 26 Jul 2025 13:51

Major hint: Chelsea transfer target misses pre-season friendly

Chelsea transfer target Jorrel Hato sat out Ajax's pre-season friendly against Celtic, amid talks over a potential move to Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old has made over 100 first-team appearances since emerging from Ajax's famous academy system.

Hato still has three years left to run on his current deal, but that appears to be a strong chance that he will leave the Amsterdam Arena this summer.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Chelsea had made contact with Ajax over a potential move for the versatile defender.

Hato's agent subsequently admitted that his client was in talks over a move to join the Club World Cup winners.

Hato misses Ajax friendly amid Chelsea talks

Having made progress in negotiations, Chelsea are now believed to be close to reaching an agreement with Ajax over a transfer worth around £34.5m.

Ajax have dropped a major hint that a move is getting nearer after he sat out Thursday's friendly against Scottish champions Celtic.

Hato was named in the 29-man travelling party earlier this week, but he was a notable absentee from the matchday squad for the meeting in Como.

John Heitinga's side ultimately coped well with Hato's absence as they cruised to a 5-1 victory following a Steven Berghuis brace and goals from Davy Klaassen, Aaron Bouwman and Rayane Bounida.

Why Hato can be valuable to Maresca

Chelsea appear to be on course to sign a player who has also been linked with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.

Hato could be a valuable addition to Enzo Maresca's squad due to his ability to play in central defence and as a left-back.

Maresca may be keen to have another central defensive option, with Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga set to depart and uncertainty surrounding the futures of Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Hato can also provide viable competition for first-choice left-back Marc Cucurella, while he can also act as cover if the Spaniard needs rest or is out with injury.