Transfer Centre

Ian Maatsen signs new Chelsea deal, joins Borussia Dortmund on loan

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 January 2024

Maatsen signs new Chelsea deal, joins Dortmund on loan

Ian Maatsen signs a new contract with Chelsea before being allowed to join Borussia Dortmund on loan for the remainder of the season.

Chelsea have agreed a new contract with Ian Maatsen before allowing the Dutchman to join Borussia Dortmund on loan.

On the back of a successful stint at Burnley, Maatsen had been hoping to establish himself as a regular in Mauricio Pochettino's new-look starting lineup.

Instead, the Netherlands Under-21 international has been restricted to three starts and 12 substitute outings in all competitions.

With just 18 months remaining on his contract, conversations have been held to determine the best way to continue his development, Chelsea having been open to a sale in January.

Co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are under pressure to ensure that Chelsea continue to comply with FFP regulations throughout this month, aware of the punishment that they may face if they fail to do so.

However, Dortmund were not in a position where they could meet Chelsea's demands for Maatsen, said to be in excess of £25m, and it has led to a compromise being reached between all parties.

Chelsea's Ian Maatsen acknowledges fans after the match on August 13, 2023 © Reuters

The West Londoners have given the green light to the 21-year-old spending the rest of the campaign at Westfalenstadion.

In return, Maatsen has helped Chelsea strengthen their position over a future fee by extending his terms by a further 12 months, taking him to 2026.

Such a deal has been facilitated by Chelsea opting to recall David Datro Fofana from his loan stint at Union Berlin in order to free up a foreign loan slot.

On Thursday night, it was reported that the Ivorian will now sign for fellow Premier League side Burnley on a similar deal should a medical be passed in due course.

As a result of Maatsen departing Stamford Bridge, Pochettino is allegedly now contemplating whether to add another left-sided defender to his squad.

Nevertheless, with Ben Chilwell on the brink of a return from a hamstring injury and Malo Gusto able to deputise there when required, taking that approach is uncertain at this stage.