Ajax Lower Jorrel Hato’s Price As Chelsea Talks Advance, Koundé Set To Extend Barca Stay
Ajax have reportedly softened their stance in talks with Chelsea over their defender Jorrel Hato, as the Dutch giants look to strike a deal before the summer transfer window closes.
According to De Telegraaf, Ajax have lowered their initial asking price for the 19-year-old from around €55–€60 million to a more negotiable €43–€45 million package.
Though club director Alex Kroes still values Hato at a minimum of €50 million, sources say he is now open to accepting slightly less to facilitate the move.
The decision comes amid growing concern in Amsterdam that no other club will meet even the €40 million mark for Hato later in the window.
Adding to the urgency is the player’s desire to join Chelsea, with the Dutchman reportedly agreeing to personal terms with the London club last week.
The proposed deal includes an eight-year contract, a long-term commitment that signals Chelsea’s belief in the left-footed defender’s potential.
Despite Ajax’s flexibility, Chelsea have stood firm on their latest bid of €41 million, following an initial offer of €40 million.
Koundé Set to Extend Barcelona Stay
Barcelona’s defensive core looks set for stability as Jules Koundé has confirmed his intention to renew his contract until 2030.
“Everything is ready for me to renew until 2030 when we get back to Barcelona. Everything was done quickly,” Koundé told reporters.
The French defender has been a key figure in Hansi Flick’s squad and his extension provides much-needed continuity amid Barcelona’s ongoing squad reshuffle.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s pursuit of RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons has sparked criticism, with former Premier League striker Jan Age Fjortoft questioning both the club’s transfer strategy and the player’s readiness to thrive at Stamford Bridge.
Simons, 22, is reportedly valued at around £61 million after an impressive season that saw him score 19 goals.
Despite his output, Fjortoft warns the Blues might be walking into a repeat of the Christopher Nkunku scenario, another Leipzig star whose transition to English football hasn’t gone as planned.
“They have a defined kind of player they want, but they’re being linked to Xavi Simons. I mean, that is Nkunku again, isn’t it?” Fjortoft said on ESPN. “It’s a bit unfair on young players because these days we need them to be good straightaway.”
He went on to express doubts about whether Simons can evolve from a promising talent into a consistent top-level performer: “There’s something about Simons’ temperament that I’m not 100 per cent convinced of… Is he the guy who can go from being a good player and turn himself into a great player?”
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