Chelsea Transfer Rumors: European Giants Keen on Re-Signing $41M Player They Sold to the Blues

Chelsea thought they had made a strong signing with Jorrel Hato for the 2025/26 season. Still, his disappointing performances have sparked speculation about a possible early return to the Eredivisie, raising concerns about the club’s left-back situation.

Chelsea Could Be Without Jorrel Hato From January

According to the latest updates from Absolute Chelsea, Ajax is willing to re-sign its former player to strengthen its defense for the rest of the season. It is not yet clear whether Chelsea will allow the player to leave in January, but there is a chance that Hato will push for a transfer to secure more playing time.

If Chelsea decides to let Hato leave in January, it would create a significant defensive risk, as Marc Cucurella would be the only experienced left-back available between January and May 2026.

Jorrel Hato is Ajax’s number one left-back choice in January, however it is unclear if #Chelsea would be willing to loan him back just yet.

[via @MikeVerweij]

— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) December 28, 2025

Hato arrived at Chelsea in the European summer for a fee that could rise to £38.5 million, following his impressive performances in the Eredivisie last season. Despite high expectations, the 19-year-old is currently struggling to adapt to the Premier League.

Once Ajax’s star player, the left-back has appeared in only nine games across all competitions. Notably, his main opportunity to impress, against Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League, ended with a disappointing performance, reinforcing concerns about his adjustment.

Young Left Back Struggles to Perform Well in the Premier League

Hato is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and recorded a high accuracy rate for successful passes in Eredivisie games last season, acting as a deep distributor. He receives many passes at the start of build-up play and supports progressive play, often breaking lines with long passes or progressions with the ball.

Hato’s average for progressive combos and long passes is among the best in the league for a defender.

Unlike many classic defenders, Hato carries the ball forward with confidence, helping the transition and drawing pressure from opponents before releasing incisive passes. In systems that prioritize playing out from the back under pressure, he becomes a crucial element as a first pivot.

In addition, Hato plays both as a left-footed center back and left back, a tactical flexibility that makes him a valuable asset, whether in a four- or three-man defense. He can even be used in inverted roles closer to midfield.

These characteristics may lead Chelsea to bet on the defender’s permanence with a view to long-term development, but his adaptation problems are causing greater mistrust for the Blues.

The primary issues stem from deficiencies in aerial duels and physical strength in confrontations, poor decision-making under external pressure, and inconsistent defensive performance against fast attackers.