Ian Maatsen is reportedly seeking a definitive exit from Chelsea and has made his intentions known to the club.
After a fruitful loan at Burnley, Maatsen returned to Chelsea last summer but declined a fixed transfer to Turf Moor, even though a £31.5 million agreement was in place.
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The 22-year-old showcased his talent in the preseason, but once the competitive season commenced, he struggled to secure regular playtime, as Mauricio Pochettino favored Levi Colwill for the left-back position.
Expectations were that Chelsea would offload Maatsen in January since he had only featured in 15 games during the season’s first half, starting just once.
Before his loan to Borussia Dortmund for the latter part of the season, Maatsen signed a new deal with Chelsea that included a £35 million buyout clause.
His tenure in Germany has been marked by commendable displays, culminating in his inaugural Champions League goal as Dortmund triumphed over Atletico Madrid 4-2, propelling them into the semifinals.
Thriving in the Bundesliga, Maatsen, as per Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger, is quite content at Dortmund and wishes to remain there.
Berger disclosed on platform X that Maatsen is determined to leave Chelsea for good, a decision already communicated to the club.
With two goals and two assists for Dortmund, Maatsen’s continued form could very well prompt Dortmund or other clubs to activate his release clause.
With Lewis Hall’s loan to Newcastle likely turning permanent and uncertainties surrounding Marc Cucurella’s future, Chelsea might be scouting for a new left-back this summer. Maatsen’s situation only adds to this likelihood.
