Hato is attracting interest from the Premier League this summer. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

Chelsea Sources: Mentor opportunity with new club signing involved and plans detailed

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Simon Phillips | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 8:00 AM ET

There has been an article come out today that is basically already speaking like Chelsea have made a new signing.

But at this moment, nothing is done or dusted for Chelsea to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax but at this point, it is widely expected TO get done.

So everyone is putting together their tactical previews of Hato at Chelsea, and The Athletic are even writing an article as if the player is already there after speaking with Chelsea sources. I think that is the safest and clearest indication yet that says Hato will 100% be a Chelsea player this summer.

Chelsea are currently trying to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig as well as Hato. But right now, it is defender Hato who is more advanced and set to join Chelsea now very soon, by, the looks of things. I believe the difference in fee there will be concluded very soon now.

Hato to challenge Cucurella

It’s become clear that Chelsea are signing Hato to be competition for Marc Cucurella in Chelsea’s left back position.

They had nobody who could do that last season and Cucurella ended up playing way too many games and risky fatigue and injuries.

Spaniard will also mentor Hato

The Athletic state no one would expect Jorrel Hato to come to Chelsea and immediately supplant Marc Cucurella in Enzo Maresca’s strongest XI, but he has done everything in his journey to this point more quickly than expected. In football terms, he is older than most of his peers and better too.

But Chelsea sources tell The Athletic that they want to give Maresca the ability to rotate across all positions as he balances Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup commitments this season.

Those sources at the club state that there is a belief that the eight-year age gap between Cucurella and Hato creates the potential for a perfect mentor/mentee relationship at left-back.

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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