Chelsea reignite transfer move as Dutch club open door to summer deal | OneFootball

Chelsea revisit interest in Dutch full-back as Feyenoord open to summer decision

Hartman’s potential move reignites Chelsea’s long-standing interest

For Chelsea, rebuilding often comes in waves, and the latest ripple from Stamford Bridge suggests another defensive reshaping may be on the horizon. Quilindschy Hartman, the talented 23-year-old Feyenoord left-back, is again on Chelsea’s radar, having first caught their eye over 18 months ago.

The Dutch international had emerged as a serious target before a knee injury in March 2024 disrupted his momentum and any transfer speculation. Now, with his return to action in February and 12 appearances under his belt since, Chelsea have reportedly rekindled their interest, according to Voetbal.

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Hartman had previously addressed the Blues’ interest candidly:“I don’t think they want me now, but they really wanted me. It actually started in the winter. They came to Feyenoord last winter break, but I actually didn’t want it at that time… That has returned in recent months. They really wanted me and I was certainly open to that, but now unfortunately things have turned out differently [due to an injury].”

Yet Hartman also revealed that Chelsea’s interest has not disappeared. “They have wished me good luck and let me know that the interest will not stop. Who knows, we will see.”

Left-back situation prompts Chelsea to explore fresh options

Chelsea’s left-back scenario remains fluid. While Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill provide depth, neither has entirely locked down the role. Ben Chilwell, after a loan at Crystal Palace, appears surplus to requirements in Maresca’s new structure.

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Hartman offers a more balanced option. A player comfortable defending narrow spaces and capable of driving play from deep, he possesses both defensive discipline and attacking ambition — traits Chelsea clearly value. His reintroduction to Feyenoord’s XI, followed by emotional scenes after their final home game against RKC Waalwijk, further fuelled speculation.

Feyenoord open to summer talks but urge clarity

Dennis te Kloese, Feyenoord’s technical director, did not shy away from addressing Hartman’s future. While he expressed admiration for the defender, he also made it clear the club expects an answer soon.

“We will see in the coming weeks. It is a major consideration for him, also with a view to where he can still grow,” Te Kloese said. “The national coach is at the table here and there is a World Cup next year… Then that consideration must also be whether now is a good time to take the next step.”

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On whether Chelsea have made a new approach, he added: “No, because if they have contacted him, they have not yet contacted us… He is an incredibly valued force with us and as a person I also value him very much.”

Te Kloese was measured, but his comments suggested an openness to letting Hartman go — provided the timing and structure are right for all parties involved.

Chelsea’s Dutch scouting push extends beyond Feyenoord

While Hartman is high on Chelsea’s shortlist, he is not the only Dutch defender being monitored. The Blues are also making a move for Ajax’s Jorrel Hato. Like Hartman, Hato offers versatility and is attracting competition from Liverpool.

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Chelsea’s growing interest in young Dutch defenders points to a longer-term strategic shift. With Maresca set to reshape the side, particularly in defence, targeting young, intelligent players who can adapt to multiple roles is likely to be a key priority this summer.

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Hartman might not be a headline-grabbing name yet, but the club’s recent strategy is all about high-ceiling talent who can develop into core players. He fits that bill perfectly.

There’s a genuine buzz when a young, technically sound defender from a well-coached team like Feyenoord becomes available. And with Chilwell likely heading out, Chelsea need someone who can compete with Cucurella, or even leapfrog him in the pecking order. Hartman brings energy, discipline and, crucially, motivation — he’s got international ambitions, and the Premier League can give him that platform.

The fact he’s already shown mental resilience, bouncing back from a major injury, speaks volumes. And let’s not forget how composed he looked post-recovery in those final league matches.

If Chelsea secure Hartman and pair him with a signing like Jorrel Hato, that’s not just depth — it’s future-proofing. The project is evolving, and bringing in hungry, emerging internationals is exactly the way forward.