Jorrel Hato left out of Ajax squad for Celtic friendly after Dutch giants ask Chelsea for €60m for teenager defender

Despite Chelsea reportedly agreeing to personal terms with the young defender, a final agreement with Ajax remains elusive. The Dutch giants are now said to be holding out for a hefty €60 million (£52m/$70m) fee, a significant increase from earlier demands and one that could prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations.

The decision to leave Hato out of the friendly squad appears to be more than just a tactical call. Instead, it signals Ajax’s preparation for life without the 18-year-old, who has developed into one of their standout players. The player is believed to be open to a move abroad and excited by the opportunity to play at the top level in England.

What makes Hato such a prized asset is not just his age or potential, but his ability to operate effectively in multiple roles across the backline. Primarily a central defender, the left-footed Dutchman can also slot in as a left-back, offering flexibility that modern managers value. Moreover, his composure on the ball, strong positional sense and defensive maturity beyond his years make him a natural fit for the west London side, who are determined to reshape their squad into title contenders again.

After claiming the Club World Cup title in the United States, Chelsea have been proactive in reinforcing their squad, as they have already signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens. With negotiations for Hato now reportedly in the advanced stages and the player’s camp pushing for a swift resolution, all eyes are on Chelsea’s next move. Whether they choose to meet Ajax’s valuation or attempt to bring the fee down remains to be seen.