Ian Maatsen is making a new start in the Premier League, but no longer at Chelsea FC: after his BVB loan, he is joining Aston Villa. Will we see him again soon?
Borussia Dortmund will have to start the new season without Ian Maatsen. The 22-year-old left-back is leaving BVB after his six-month loan and is moving to Aston Villa. Unlike BVB, last year’s Premier League fourth-placed team was prepared to pay Chelsea FC the fixed transfer fee of allegedly more than 40 million euros. Maatsen will receive a contract until 2030.
Following the successful medical check at the Dutch national team’s European Championship quarters, for which he is still awaiting his first tournament minutes, Aston Villa announced the signing, which had already been in the pipeline. Under coach Unai Emery, Maatsen can look forward to further appearances in the Champions League, for which Villa surprisingly qualified. This could also lead to a quick reunion with BVB.
Only twelve league appearances – but Maatsen brings Chelsea important millions
The Blues had already lured Maatsen to Stamford Bridge as a teenager in 2018 and loaned him out to Coventry City and Burnley FC before he was allowed to prove himself in the professional ranks in the summer of 2023. As this did not go according to plan – twelve (wildcard) appearances in the Premier League and three in the League Cup – he was drawn to BVB, where he showed his talent on a much more regular basis.
While Maatsen made a crucial mistake in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, he was otherwise regularly an invigorating element on the left flank which attracted other interested parties in addition to Dortmund.
While BVB have to reorganize at left-back, Villa closes a gap in the squad – and Chelsea are pleased to receive important income in their annual battle to comply with the Financial Fair Play rules.
