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<p>Market Value: €35m</p>
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<img alt="Transfer news: How good is Jorrel Hato? The Ajax teenage sensation linked with Chelsea"
src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/hato-spotlight-1753278954-172989.png"
title="Transfer news: How good is Jorrel Hato? The Ajax teenage sensation linked with Chelsea" />
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Ajax has a long-standing reputation for nurturing top-tier talent through its famous academy, producing legends such as Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids, and Wesley Sneijder. While the Eredivisie may not offer the financial might of the Premier League or LaLiga, Ajax consistently develops homegrown stars who are sold for substantial profits. Jurrien Timber is a recent example, having moved to Arsenal for €40m in the summer of 2023. The latest rising star at Ajax is 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato.
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Hato has already amassed 111 first-team appearances for Ajax and has represented the Netherlands at the national level six times. He made his debut at just 16 years old in January 2023, making him the fifth youngest player to ever don an Ajax first-team shirt. Now, at 19, he has established himself as one of the club's key players. Versatile enough to play both center-back and left-back, Hato featured in 31 league matches last season, contributing two goals and six assists from his defensive position. With a reported interest from Chelsea, and indications that Hato is keen on the move and prepared to agree on personal terms, it's only a matter of time before he joins one of Europe’s top leagues.
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<img alt="" height="629"
src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/ajax-youngest-ever-players-1731665710-154228.png?lm=1731665718"
width="503" />
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<h2>Who is Jorrel Hato?</h2>
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At just 19 years, Jorrel Hato was one of Ajax's standout performers last season. During a challenging 2023/24 campaign for the Dutch side, he was a reliable figure at center-back, while under manager Francesco Farioli, he was predominantly used at left-back. Among U19 outfield players in the top 10 leagues, only Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, with 3,622 minutes played, logged more minutes than Hato's 3,326 last season.
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<img alt="" height="629"
src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/u19-minutes-1753278360-172987.png?lm=1753278367"
width="503" />
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Known for his versatility, Hato has often been compared to Arsenal’s Timber. Following Timber's transfer to North London, Hato expressed his admiration, stating, “The move to Arsenal was a wonderful one for him. It’s my dream to make a similar transfer, but I understand that I have much more to achieve.” With a current market value of €35 million, it's a figure that is likely to increase as he continues to develop.
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<h2>“His physique is years ahead of him”</h2>
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Kevin Lux, a content manager for <em>Transfermarkt</em> in the Netherlands, elaborates on Hato’s prowess: “Hato's impact at such a young age is notable; his physical presence is impressive. He possesses a wealth of technical skills, making him valuable in Dutch football as a defender. He excels in dribbling, passing, and reading the game from the backline, showcasing the qualities of an excellent defender.”
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“While there are technical areas he needs to refine, that’s expected for someone of his age. He’s also a natural leader, having captained Ajax at youth levels multiple times. Hato exhibits all the qualities of a future world-class defender, comparable to Arsenal's Timber, showing strength in defense, good vision, and effective passing. He enjoys initiating attacks from defense.”
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<p>Player Comparison</p>
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<p>Ajax Amsterdam</p>
<p>Arsenal FC</p>
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<p>€35.00m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€55.00m</p>
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<p>Position: Left-Back</p>
<p>Position: Right-Back</p>
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<p>Contract until: Jun 30, 2028</p>
<p>Contract until: Jun 30, 2028</p>
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<p><span>Full Player Comparison</span></p>
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