In the transfer window that opens next month, Chelsea will consider bids for Ian Maatsen, an out-of-favour left back.
It is currently scheduled to expire in the summer of 2025. The Dutchman’s contract had a one-year extension clause that the Blues just exercised. However, Maatsen’s chances of playing at Stamford Bridge in the future now appear dim because he has struggled to get minutes under Mauricio Pochettino this season, after being one of their standout players in the preseason. Burnley and Chelsea had reached an initial loan agreement that included a £31.5 million buyout clause late in the summer transfer window. However, Maatsen turned down a chance to return to Turf Moor, where he had won the Championship the previous season.
He’s ready to take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves for regular play now, although he might have to leave the club permanently due to new FIFA rules on loans abroad. Chelsea has currently reached its allotted seven players who can be out on loan abroad at any given moment by the league.
Borussia Dortmund has long admired the 21-year-old; they attempted to sign the full-back on loan in 2022, and they are currently looking to fill in for defender Ramy Bensebaini, who is off to the Africa Cup of Nations. Dortmund is reportedly operating on a tight budget right now, so it’s unlikely that they will have the money necessary to sign Maatsen to a long-term contract this winter.
Andrey Santos, a Brazilian offensive midfielder, is expected to be called up from his Nottingham Forest loan; however, he is only permitted to return on loan as long as he plays English football. It is theoretically still possible for Maatsen to be loaned out to another Premier League team; Burnley, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest are among his possible suitors.
In an October interview with Dutch media, Maatsen stated that he was flexible about leaving Chelsea and that, despite turning down the Clarets this summer, he remained in touch with Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
“As a young boy, you always want more,” he remarked. The trainer’s remarks give me confidence, and I’m prepared for the chance when it presents itself. I have to keep my options open in the interim. Later on, I might have to make some tough decisions, but the club will let me know. It doesn’t mean that I’m angry with you. We will continue to monitor you,’ remarked he [Kompany]. We occasionally still stay in touch.”
Maatsen, another player who would display a 100% profit against Financial Fair Play if sold, is an academy graduate. This season, the versatile defender—who can also play out wide—has only played 295 minutes of football in all competitions. On Sunday, he was substituted in for Chelsea during their 2-0 loss to Everton.