Aston Villa is on the verge of signing Chelsea’s left-back Ian Maatsen for about £37.5 million ($47.7 million), according to insiders.
The 22-year-old Dutch defender had a strong loan spell with Borussia Dortmund, where he played 16 matches in the Bundesliga and started in all the knockout stages of the Champions League, helping Dortmund reach the Wembley final.
Villa outbids Dortmund for Maatsen
Villa moved swiftly to outbid Dortmund, who hesitated over Maatsen’s £35 million release clause, considering it too steep. Villa, by offering a higher fee and acting promptly, made their intent clear. Personal terms are settled, and they are proposing a six-year contract, showcasing their confidence in Maatsen’s abilities.
Maatsen’s move depends on passing a medical check, which he will complete soon. Despite being in Germany with the Dutch team for Euro 2024, the medical process will be handled while he is there. The Netherlands plays France in Leipzig on Friday, so the discussions and medical assessments are likely to be done remotely.
A key reason Maatsen prefers Aston Villa is their participation in next season’s Champions League. He excelled while on loan at Dortmund, particularly in the Champions League, showing his abilities. However, since Dortmund couldn’t meet Chelsea’s asking price, Villa took their chance.
During the talks between Villa and Chelsea, there were suggestions of possibly including Villa striker Jhon Duran in the deal. However, Chelsea opted to finalize Maatsen’s transfer separately.
Villa‘s decision to pay slightly above the release clause not only ensured the deal but also allowed them to arrange more favorable payment terms.
The negotiations between Aston Villa and Chelsea go beyond Ian Maatsen. Chelsea is considering moves for Villa’s forward Jhon Duran, as well as Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Aston Villa is eyeing Chelsea’s midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Maatsen, who joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in 2019, experienced loan periods at Charlton, Coventry, Burnley, and recently Dortmund. Despite his skills, he got limited playtime with Chelsea’s current head coach Mauricio Pochettino, featuring in just 16 matches.
Furthermore, the club is in talks with Juventus about a possible transfer of Douglas Luiz, which could involve a player coming to Villa. Everton has shown interest in 20-year-old midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Villa.
