Chelsea FC have officially announced the signings of Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax and Brazilian winger Estêvão Willian from Palmeiras, marking their eighth and ninth acquisitions of a busy summer transfer window.
Hato, a 19-year-old versatile defender, joins for £37 million (€43 million) on a seven-year contract until 2032. “I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here. I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career.
Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I’m very happy,” Hato said. The Rotterdam native, who debuted for Ajax at 16 and captained them at 17, brings experience with 111 appearances and six Netherlands caps.
He will compete with Marc Cucurella at left-back while offering cover at centre-back.
Estêvão, an 18-year-old prodigy, joins for €34 million (£29.1 million) plus €23 million in add-ons after a standout performance against Chelsea in the Club World Cup quarter-final, where he scored for Palmeiras. “He is very good, a huge talent, fantastic player,” said Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
Estêvão, compared to Neymar for his flair, is expected to adapt to the Premier League with guidance from Chelsea’s staff.
The duo’s arrival pushes Chelsea’s summer spending past £250 million, aligning with their strategy of investing in young, high-potential talents.
Hato joins this week, while Estêvão links up after turning 18, setting the stage for a dynamic 2025/26 campaign.
