Just half a season after his high-profile arrival, Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato could be set for a swift return to the Netherlands, with former club Ajax keen on a January loan deal.
A Struggling Start at Stamford Bridge
According to reports from Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Ajax have identified re-signing Hato as their primary objective for the upcoming transfer window. The 19-year-old completed a move from Amsterdam to West London in the summer for an initial fee of £35.5 million, signing a long-term contract until 2032.
However, his transition to English football has been challenging. Burdened with significant expectation, Hato has managed only two Premier League starts for Chelsea. A combination of fitness issues and a shaky performance in the Europa League against Qarabag has severely limited his involvement. His sole appearance since that match came in the Carabao Cup victory over Cardiff City.
Injury Setbacks and Manager's View
Hato's difficulties were compounded by a frustrating injury setback earlier this month. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the teenager was in line for a comeback against Newcastle United, only for him to suffer a problem during the warm-up at St James' Park.
When asked if Hato could feature in Chelsea's next match against Bournemouth, Maresca stated: ‘I don’t think so, no, I don’t think so.’ Despite this rocky beginning, the club's hierarchy and Maresca himself reportedly still have strong faith in the versatile defender, who can operate at both left-back and centre-back.
Ajax's Search for Defensive Reinforcements
The report suggests it remains ‘questionable’ whether Chelsea would sanction a loan move mid-season, especially back to the player's former club. Should the Blues block the move, Ajax have prepared a shortlist of alternative left-back targets.
This list is said to include Burnley’s Quilindschy Hartman, Everton’s Adam Aznou, Utrecht’s Souffian El Karouani, and Como’s Ignace Van Der Brempt.
The potential move underscores the gulf in squad depth between the two clubs, a point highlighted by Ajax's then-manager John Heitinga before Chelsea's Champions League win over Ajax in October. Heitinga noted that Hato, a difference-maker for Ajax, was struggling for minutes on Chelsea's bench, illustrating the quality at Stamford Bridge.
With the January window opening imminently, a decision on Hato's immediate future is expected soon, as both clubs weigh up what is best for the development of one of Europe's promising young defenders.
