Transfer Centre

Chelsea transfer news: Ian Maatsen hints at U-turn over future

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 30 May 2024

Ian Maatsen hints at U-turn over Chelsea future

Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen - on loan at Borussia Dortmund - hints at the possibility of performing a U-turn over his future at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen has hinted at the prospect of performing a U-turn over his future at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old joined Chelsea's academy in 2018 and made his senior debut just a year later, but he has since struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular at the club.

Maatsen has played just 16 times in all competitions for the West Londoners, including just one Premier League start during the first half of the 2023-24 campaign.

A lack of game time under former boss Mauricio Pochettino was a key factor behind his loan move to Borussia Dortmund, where he has blossomed into a key player under Edin Terzic.

Maatsen has started in 21 of his 22 appearances for Dortmund across the Bundesliga and Champions League, primarily operating as a left-back, and has chipped in with three goals and two assists.

Ian Maatsen sign on loan for Borussia Dortmund on January 12, 2024 © Borussia Dortmund

The Dutchman has played the full 90 minutes in all six of Dortmund's Champions League knockout matches en route to Saturday's final against Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium.

It is understood that BVB would like to keep hold of Maatsen for next season by either agreeing another loan deal or negotiating a permanent move, but they are unlikely to meet Chelsea's £35m valuation of the defender.

Before joining Dortmund in January, Maatsen extended his contract at Chelsea until the summer of 2026, which seemed to suggest that he is planning to return to Stamford Bridge and attempt to force his way into the first team.

However, ahead of this weekend's Champions League final, Maatsen has revealed that he is yet to make a decision over his future.

Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich in action with Borussia Dortmund's Ian Maatsen on March 30, 2024 © Reuters

Maatsen undecided over Chelsea future

Asked if he has been in contact with Chelsea regarding his future, Maatsen told reporters: "In recent weeks? No, not yet. They came a couple of times to Dortmund to just see how I am and they're happy with my development.

"I think I still have a contract and after the summer we are going to decide where my future is going to be. For now, I am just focusing on [the Champions League final] and obviously what's coming next."

"No [I have nothing to prove to Chelsea], I just have to do something to prove to myself," Maatsen added. "I came [to Dortmund] to prove myself that I can play on the highest level and that's what I'm doing now.

"[Dortmund] just give young people opportunity. Like me, I just came here from the start and straight in. They give us the chance to shine and I'm very grateful for that, so that's why I came here. I feel like I've been playing here with the guys for many years and it's such a good feeling."

Maatsen's impressive performances at Dortmund have not been enough to force his way into the Netherlands squad, as Ronald Koeman recently confirmed that the left-back has been cut from his provisional squad ahead of Euro 2024.