Chelsea to follow Hato deal with another Ajax defender?

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August 19, 2025 07:10 GMT (UK), by Ketan Patel

Ajax’s production line of top defensive talent has rolled out another gem in Belgian international Jorthy Mokio, who is widely considered one of the best young defenders in Europe. Chelsea signed Jorrel Hato from Ajax this month and are now looking to follow up that deal with another raid on Ajax, as 17-year-old Mokio could be available for a fee of around 40 million euros.

Despite Mokio only turning 17-years-old in February, he has already made his full international debut against Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League, and with it became one of Belgium’s youngest ever full internationals. At Ajax in the Eredvisie this season he has already appeared once, and has a total of 12 first-team appearances for the Amsterdam giants.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is ready to spend big once more on one of Europe’s best young players. It is understood that the Blues’ scouting network are so determined to secure a deal that they recommended signing Mokio now and then sending the Belgian back to Ajax for one more season to acquire more first-team experience, before bringing him to Stamford Bridge to join the squad next summer.