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Chelsea ‘reach agreement’ to sell Ian Maatsen to Premier League rival
Chelsea are reportedly set to finalize a deal with Aston Villa for the sale of left-back Ian Maatsen. Despite showcasing his talents during a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, including an appearance in the Champions League final, Maatsen is poised to make a permanent move to a Premier League competitor.
The Dutch defender impressed during his time in Germany, where Dortmund reached the final at Wembley, though they were defeated by Real Madrid. Chelsea, despite needing a reliable left-back, have opted to cash in on Maatsen, a product of their youth academy, securing a significant transfer fee.
Dortmund had the option to activate a £35 million release clause in Maatsen’s loan agreement, but they did not exercise it. Now, according to reports from The Athletic, Aston Villa has agreed on a fee “just above” that amount and is finalizing details on a six-year contract with the player.
Maatsen’s Chelsea contract, extended during his loan to Dortmund, runs until the summer of 2026. The 22-year-old, who joined Chelsea at 16, has experienced a rapid ascent despite struggling to establish himself in London. He spent seasons on loan in the Championship, notably winning promotion with Burnley.
While opportunities were limited at Chelsea, Maatsen is now set to return to the Champions League with Aston Villa, who secured fourth place in the Premier League to qualify for Europe’s premier competition for the first time in over four decades. Villa is expected to part ways with either Alex Moreno or Lucas Digne, the current options at left-back, to accommodate Maatsen’s arrival.