Ajax Amsterdam has successfully secured the future of their promising 18-year-old center-back, Jorrel Hato, by extending his contract until June 30, 2028. This move underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and maintaining a strong defensive lineup.
Hato, who joined Ajax’s youth academy from Sparta Rotterdam in 2018, made his first-team debut on January 11, 2023, during a Dutch Cup match against FC Den Bosch. Since then, he has accumulated 52 appearances and scored once for the senior team.
His rapid development and consistent performances have not gone unnoticed. In December 2023, Hato became the youngest-ever starting captain for Ajax in European competition. He also earned his first cap for the Netherlands national team, becoming one of the youngest players to do so.
The contract extension is a strategic move by Ajax to fend off interest from top European clubs. Notably, Arsenal had shown interest in acquiring Hato earlier this year but were constrained financially.
Ajax’s Director of Football, Marijn Beuker, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “We are very pleased that Jorrel has extended his contract. He is a defender with great potential, and we are confident that he will continue to develop and play a significant role in Ajax’s future.”
This extension reflects Ajax’s ongoing dedication to developing homegrown talent and maintaining their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.