It’s no secret that Chelsea have spent a lot of money on a lot of seriously talented players over the last few years.
However, arguably one of the most exciting signings the club have made in recent years was when they spent £29m on then-17-year-old Estevao Willian, who is finally set to join up with Enzo Maresca’s squad ahead of next season.
The teenage Brazilian, nicknamed Messinho, is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football and, with 42 goal involvements in 83 senior club games already, it’s easy to see why analyst Ben Mattinson describes him as a “future Ballon d’Or winner.”
So, Chelsea fans should be delighted with reports linking the club to another incredible gem who could be as big a talent as Estevao.
Chelsea target brilliant wonderkid
It would be fair to say that this summer has been a largely positive one for Chelsea so far, as, on top of their exploits on the pitch, the club have conducted some brilliant business off of it.
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For example, they made a tidy profit on Noni Madueke and managed to finally offload Kepa Arrizabalaga, with both making the increasingly common move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates.
Then, in terms of incomings, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro are all surely going to improve Maresca’s attack, and it looks like they are closing in on RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons as well.
However, the Blues don’t appear to be done there, as it also looks like they will be getting their hands on an even younger prospect, someone who could be as big a talent as Estevao.
At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has reaffirmed Chelsea’s intense interest in Jorrel Hato.
The Italian journalist goes a step further, revealing that a deal to sign the Ajax ace is “now very close” as negotiations between the two clubs are at the “final stages.”
A price is not mentioned in Romano’s report, but stories from earlier this month claimed that a fee of around £40m would be enough to get this deal over the line.
While that might seem like a lot of money, it might end up being fair value if Hato can fulfil the potential so many believe him to have, similarly to Estevao.
Why Hato is as big a talent as Estevao
So, the first thing to point out is that, with Estevao primarily playing as a right-winger and being tasked with scoring and creating goals, he is almost always going to receive more attention and more plaudits than someone who plays in defence, like Hato.
However, that does not mean the Dutchman does not possess the same level of talent as the Brazilian, nor the potential to be a genuinely great player one day – you only need to look at his record to see that.
Since making his debut back in February 2023, at just 16 years old, the “exceptional athlete,” as dubbed by Mattinson, has become an integral part of Ajax’s first team.
Appearances
111
Starts
102
Minutes
9121′
Goals
4
Assists
9
Goal Involvements per Match
0.11
Minutes per Goal Involvement
701.61′
Points per Game
1.86
The Rotterdam-born monster has already amassed a staggering 111 appearances for the Dutch giants, of which 102 have been starts, and even though he primarily played at left-back, he has also been able to amass a reasonable tally in which he’s scored four goals and provided nine assists.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you that the 19-year-old wonderkid was something genuinely special, then perhaps the fact he’s already captained the Amsterdam outfit on multiple occasions will.
Finally, he’s not just seen as the next big thing by his club.
For example, the “immense” prospect, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has also already won six senior caps for the Netherlands, in which he’s provided one assist, since making his debut in November 2023, at just 17 years old.
Ultimately, Estevao will always generate more excitement as he’s someone who could be a massive source of goals and assists in the future.
Still, from everything we’ve seen over the last few years and what those in the know are saying, there is every chance Hato could be as immense a talent, and therefore, someone Chelsea fans should be very excited about.
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