Chelsea face MASSIVE Ian Maatsen problem after Dortmund update

Updated: 29 Mar 2024 11:14 GMT
4 min read

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea, Ian Maatsen, Borussia Dortmund — © IMAGO

Chelsea want to offload Ian Maatsen in the summer, but his chances of staying at Borussia Dortmund are looking slim, according to German media.

The Dutch left-back has been farmed out on loan to Bundesliga side Dortmund in a bid to get regular minutes under his belt ahead of a summer transfer. Maatsen snubbed a permanent move to Burnley in 2023 after being given hope of a place in Mauricio Pochettino's side in pre-season.

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As the campaign went on, however, it became clear that the Argentine coach didn't trust the 22-year-old enough to play him in his favoured left-back position, instead using him further forward but mostly not using him at all. Maatsen thus moved to Germany in January but he penned a new deal before joining Dortmund on loan to protect his value and add a summer release clause.

Maatsen has been a success for the Black and Yellow thus far, notching a goal and a couple of assists in 12 games. The Dutchman has revealed that he would be open to staying with Dortmund, but it seems the Bundesliga side will struggle to keep him around.

Dortmund can't afford Maatsen

According to Ruhr Nachrichten, it seems highly unlikely that Dortmund will make Maatsen's loan permanent in the summer. His release clause stands at around €40 million, which would make the left-back the club's record signing.

BVB don't have a purchase option but they do reportedly have the right of first refusal. As things stand, however, Dortmund appear unwilling to shell out the required fee, which is a potential problem for Chelsea, who expect to sell Maatsen in the summer.

Bayern Munich have been linked with the defender in recent days, but Fabrizio Romano was quick to pour cold water on those rumours. The Blues, then, will need to find a different buyer, though if Maatsen continues to impress, he will have no shortage of suitors.

There is also still a lot of football to be played. The financial situation at Dortmund could still change if they manage to get into the Champions League and there is also still the issue of summer sales, such as Donyell Malen, and the future of Jadon Sancho.

Read more about: Bundesliga, Premier League, Chelsea, Dortmund, Ian Maatsen