Even though they have made mistakes along the way, Chelsea have certainly been entertaining in the transfer market across recent years.Chelsea were always major spenders under previous owner Roman Abramovich, usually buying the best in class in every position.

However, it’s been a bit different since the BluesCo ownership, which includes co-owner Todd Boehly, purchased the club in May 2022.The Blues have continued to splash the cash as an ambitious club, but there has definitely been a focus on recruiting young stars with huge potential.It looks like Enzo Maresca’s side are continuing that trend this summer, especially as 19-year-old Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is widely expected to complete a move to Stamford Bridge.

Reports claim that Chelsea have agreed a deal with Ajax for Hato, who’s now set for a medical and transfer to West London.READ MORE: Footage re-emerges of Jorrel Hato battling Joao Pedro, Chelsea fans will be super excitedPhoto by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesJorrel Hato will join long list of defenders signed by Chelsea since 2022The reality is that Chelsea have gone pretty wild in the transfer market in the last three years under this Boehly-led ownership.

It doesn’t look like things are slowing down just yet either.In particular, we’ve seen an incredible quantity of defenders come in and out of the club.Transfermarkt has compiled a list of every defensive signing made under the current ownership and included Hato despite the fact the deal is still yet to be officially confirmed.

Remarkably, the total fee spent on defenders, including Hato if it happens, is a mammoth €395.2m (£347.1m).SeasonPlayerPurchased fromTransfer fee25/26Jorrel HatoAjax€40m25/26Mamadou SarrStrasbourg€14m24/25Aaron AnselminoBoca Juniors€16.5m24/25Renato VeigaFC Basel€14m24/25Caleb WileyAtlanta United€10.1m23/24Axel DisasiMonaco€45m22/23Wesley FofanaLeicester City€80.4m22/23Marc CucurellaBrighton€65.3m22/23Kalidou KoulibalyNapoli€41.9m22/23Benoit BadiashileMonaco€38m22/23Malo GustoLyon€30mTransfermarkt’s list of defenders signed by Chelsea since the start of the 2022/23 season (If Jorrel Hato joins for €40m)As you can see from the list of the names above, several of them are no longer in the first-team squad.It’s been reported that Chelsea could yet target another centre-back signing once Hato has joined, but at some point they need to put the brakes on.We’re definitely big supporters of the imminent deal to sign the Ajax talent.

In fact, Real Madrid wanted to sign Hato before he decided to join Chelsea.

However, the Blues should now start to feel content with their depth in the defensive positions going into the new campaign.Photo by Teresa Kroeger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesThe Chelsea defence in the 2025/26 seasonWe’re definitely excited about the options in the Chelsea backline for the new season.For starters, it looks like they will be able to choose from four excellent full-backs.

It is some luxury to have Hato, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, and Malo Gusto in wide areas.⚽️🚨 Chelsea’s full-back defense with Jorrel Hato is gonna be FEARSOME 💀🔥🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Reece James — 25 years old (RB)🇫🇷 Malo Gusto — 22 years old (RB) 🇪🇸 Marc Cucurella — 27 years old (LB)🇳🇱 Jorrel Hato — 19 years old (LB/CB)I N S A N E ! 😳✨ pic.twitter.com/a6BVtPXJ7c— Goal rush (@GoalrushCFC) July 30, 2025 View Tweet As for the heart of defence, the club’s current senior centre-backs are Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobah.Chelsea are entertaining loan offers for Josh Acheampong, their talented and versatile defender.

We can see arguments for both keeping or sending the 19-year-old academy graduate out on loan for a year.