Jorrel Hato is a name that will likely hear more in the coming years, and the versatile young Ajax defender has established himself as an elite talent with a big future for the game.
The 19-year-old, who can play center backs and left backs in high standard, is currently the subject of growing transfer speculation.
Who is Jorell Hat? Background and early career
The pigeon is not set to turn 20 until March next year, so it seems a bit ridiculous to talk about his early career as he is still there!
But for a very young person, pigeons have already played 111 senior games with Ajax, but he also has six caps for the senior Dutch national team.
The pigeon began at the Sparta Rotterdam Academy between 2013 and 2018, and was then challenged by Ajax, famous for laying the best young players in world football.
Over four years at Ajax Academy, Hato made his first team debut in 2022, playing 15 times in the 2022/23 season.
He has since played 96 games in all competitions, scoring four goals and earned six assists last season.
Best position and playing style
Hato is an intelligent player whose challenges go well and who is good at carrying balls when moving forward from behind.
The teenager is also a real leader, showing maturity beyond his years and is already captain. He is the youngest player in the club’s history.
Naturally good for the ball with your left foot, pigeons may seem most ideal to play left back, but they are difficult to call.
Hato played more frequently as a central defender in 2023/24, then switched to the left in 2024/25. He’s perfect as a player, as it would be hard to choose which of these two seasons was more impressive.
Like Julientimber, who has played at the centre of right, left and defense in his previous career, the pigeons don’t have the best position. This is all part of the Ajax method, and the famous Dutch “total football” approach means that many players are comfortable in different roles.
Dove relocation status in summer 2025
Described as “special” by his former manager (according to the goal) John Van Ship, pigeons would certainly be very difficult for Ajax to hold for a long time.
The Eredivisy giant has frequently seen the best talent poached by European elites in decades.
Sources recently said Catch off side It is not yet clear whether there will be a frontrunner on the pigeon’s strong interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Athletic claims Liverpool is interested in pigeons, so it appears there’s a decent chance to see him head into the Premier League soon.
Fabrizio Romano also reported on Arsenal’s interest in Hato a year ago, suggesting again a few months ago that the summer move was likely for him.