Jorrel Hato has controversially suggested that Chelsea are the biggest club in the world his £37m transfer from Ajax was announced on Sunday.
The Dutch international defender has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge and becomes Chelsea’s eighth signing of the summer.
Speaking to the club’s website after the announcement, the 19-year-old labelled Chelsea the ‘biggest club’ playing in the ‘biggest competitions’.
Hato’s comments are likely to upset supporters of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal – who have all won more trophies than Chelsea.
Hato: Chelsea are the biggest club
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‘For sure it was a big decision,’ Hato said about his move to Chelsea. ‘I played seven years at Ajax and for me it was home – the people, the players, the coaches, the culture.
‘So it was not easy to leave, but my feeling was that at this moment I needed to make a step to the biggest club in the biggest competitions.
‘For me this was the right decision at the right time.’
Hato came through the Ajax academy and made 111 appearances for the Dutch club before his switch to west London.
The teenager was named Eredivisie Talent of the Year last season and has earned six caps for the Netherlands international team.
Who else have Chelsea signed this summer?
Jamie Gittens – £48m from Borussia Dortmund
Joao Pedro – £55m from Brighton
Liam Delap – £30m from Ipswich Town
Mamadou Sarr – £12m from Lyon
Dario Essugo – £18m from Sporting CP
Estevao Willian – £29m from Palmeiras
Kendry Paez – £17m from Independiente del Valle
‘It feels strange to leave everybody in Holland, of course, but for me it’s a new journey with new people in a new culture, a new team, new competitions,’ Hato added.
‘I was really thinking about my future and this is what I wanted. I think I will be a good fit for the way Chelsea are playing, so I was sure about taking my step to Chelsea.’
Hato, who can be deployed as a centre-back or left-back, added: ‘I am 19 and I have already played more than 100 games for Ajax, so I have got some experience.
‘This was for me the right time to make a big step, to come to the Premier League, to come to Chelsea. And now I’m here!’
Hato will join up with his new Chelsea teammates this week.
The Blues have two pre-season fixtures remaining before the 2025-26 Premier League campaign gets underway on August 15.
Enzo Maresca’s side take on Bayer Leverkusen on August 8 before a friendly clash against AC Milan on August 10.