When Ian Maatsen arrived in Dortmund last winter, the young Dutchman was relatively unknown. That has changed fundamentally, the left-back even made it onto the Netherlands’ European Championship squad – and could now leave BVB
The loan of Ian Maatsen, who had played no part at Chelsea FC, turned out to be a complete success – for Borussia Dortmund and the 22-year-old. 16 Bundesliga games, two goals, two assists and an average grade of 3.25 are impressive. He also put in a strong performance in the Champions League, which earned him a call-up to the team of the Champions League season.
Unsurprisingly, BVB were interested in keeping the player on a long-term basis – and it was already clear from the player’s entourage at the beginning of May that he would not be opposed to staying. “We are working on him staying at the club. The clubs have to work it out between themselves,” Ian’s father Edward Maatsen told Voetbal International, pointing out that BVB was actually the right address for his son’s further development.
No use of fixed transfer fee
The problem: Maatsen has a contract with Chelsea FC valid until 2026, so the Blues have the final say. Although there is a fixed transfer fee of just over 40 million euros in the loan agreement, BVB ultimately did not make use of it and let it expire, according to The Athletic.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, appear willing to put this sum on the table for Maatsen. Coach Unai Emery is said to be on the lookout for a left-back with attacking flair for the upcoming challenges in the Champions League – a role that Maatsen can fill all too well.
The Athletic reports that the Villans have reached an agreement with Chelsea for the transfer of the Dutch international. The transfer fee is said to be in excess of 35 million pounds, or around 41 million euros. In Birmingham, the left-back can now look forward to a long-term contract until June 30, 2030.
