Chelsea’s summer business shows no signs of slowing as the Blues step up their pursuit of Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato— two of the most promising young players in Europe.
According to Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic, Chelsea have made serious progress in deals for the Ajax and RB Leipzig stars, as Enzo Maresca looks to build a squad capable of challenging Liverpool for the Premier League title in 2025-26.
Despite already spending over £200 million, Chelsea are not done yet. The West London side qualified for the Champions League last term and finished just two points behind Manchester City. Now, the question is: will the arrivals of Simons and Hato close the 15-point gap to Arne Slot’s title-winning Reds?
Why Jorrel Hato Could Be the Final Piece in Defence
Hato may only be 19, but with 111 senior appearances for Ajax — including UEFA competition — he’s hardly raw.
Originally a centre-back, Hato excelled at left-back last season, solving one of Chelsea's major weak spots. Maresca has options at centre-half in Tosin Adarabioyo and returning loanees Aaron Anselmino and Renato Veiga, but with the latter expected to join Atletico Madrid, Hato’s versatility could prove vital and be back both either for Cucurella or as a CB.
Xavi Simons: The Missing Creative Link?
Chelsea's attack underwhelmed in 2024-25, scoring just 64 league goals — the lowest of any top-four side.
Enter Xavi Simons, the 22-year-old Dutch international who registered 10 goals and 6 assists in the Bundesliga last season. His ability to overperform expected goals and thrive in multiple attacking roles makes him a perfect link-up partner for Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.
2024/25 Stats Table
| Stat (2024/25) | Xavi Simons | Jorrel Hato |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 25 | 39 |
| Goals | 10 | 1 |
| Assists | 6 | 4 |
| xG Overperformance | +3.78 | N/A |
| Positions Played | AM, LW, RW | LB, CB |
Analyst Verdict
Chelsea’s approach under Maresca is clear: technical youth with high upside. Simons brings creativity, efficiency, and dynamism to a forward line that lacked cutting edge, while Hato offers elite composure and flexibility in defence. Neither are squad fillers — they’re future starters, and perhaps future stars.
If these deals go through, Chelsea’s trajectory under Maresca could accelerate rapidly.
Key Insights
- Chelsea have agreed personal terms with both Simons and Hato
- Hato adds elite versatility at left-back and centre-half
- Simons boosts goal threat and creativity in the final third
- Chelsea already have the 3rd best defence — attack now catching up
- Blues aiming to close 15-point gap to Liverpool
What’s Next for Chelsea, Simons and Hato?
Chelsea are expected to accelerate formal talks with Ajax and RB Leipzig over the coming days, with personal terms already agreed in principle with both players.
📝 Hato’s deal could be the first to cross the line, especially as Ajax are open to a sale near the €40m mark.
💬 Simons' move is slightly more complex due to Leipzig’s buy-back agreement with PSG, but Chelsea remain confident, with the player open to the Premier League switch.
If both transfers go through, Chelsea will have added two elite prospects in areas of real need — and with a few weeks left in the window, there could still be more movement before deadline day.
Are Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato the missing pieces in Chelsea's title puzzle — or are they still a year away from challenging Liverpool?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 24 Jul 2025 10:48
I dont know, we have a young squad but we can def. challenge them. We did actually until December, but now with 2 strikers who could finish and with wingers that can actualy dribble past players and provide assist, it should be closer than last year.
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