Transfer Centre

Chelsea's Ian Maatsen 'not interested in January move to Burnley'

By Carter White | 30 October 2023

Chelsea's Maatsen 'not interested in January move to Burnley'

Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen is reportedly unwilling to join Burnley in the January transfer window, with the Clarets set for a relegation battle in the Premier League.

Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen is reportedly not interested in a possible switch to Burnley in the January transfer window, with the player wanting to avoid a relegation battle.

The 21-year-old stayed in West London this summer to fight for his place under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, and even with injuries to a number of key full-backs, the Dutch youngster has been unable to cement his spot in the team.

Maatsen has played just 106 minutes of Premier League football in the 2023-24 term for the Blues, making seven appearances in total - all of which have come off the bench.

Since making his debut for the Stamford Bridge club in July 2019, the defender has turned out on 10 occasions during a four-year period which has included loan spells in the Championship and League One.

According to TEAMtalk, Maatsen is set to reject the potential advances of a suitor for his services in the January transfer window, with the player attracting interest from a number of sides.

Ian Maatsen and Nicolas Jackson combine for Chelsea against Wrexham on July 19, 2023. © Reuters

The report claims that top-flight newcomers Burnley are keen on bringing the Dutchman back to Turf Moor in the New Year, however the left-back is not so fond of the idea.

It is understood that Maatsen does not want to join a club fighting for safety at the bottom of the Premier League, with the Clarets currently 19th in the league table, having won just one of their first 10 matches.

Vincent Kompany enjoyed the services of Maatsen on loan from Chelsea last season, with the 21-year-old playing 39 second-tier matches as Burnley cruised to the Championship title.

The Turf Moor club attempted to bring the defender back to Lancashire during the summer window and had another loan deal for the player agreed with Chelsea, however the defender himself opted to stay put at Stamford Bridge.

The report also states that Manchester City are keen on Maatsen and held initial discussions with the player's representatives in July, although a switch to the Etihad Stadium did not develop any further.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pictured in October 2023 © Reuters

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the Dutchman, with the Merseyside outfit looking to bolster their left-back ranks in the New Year.

The Reds currently have first-choice left-back Andrew Robertson sidelined due to a shoulder injury, meaning that Greece international Kostas Tsimikas is enjoying a rare spell in the team.

Burnley's full-back plans this term revolved around the signing of Maatsen in the summer, but with that deal falling through on the final day, Kompany has been forced to be inventive with his solutions in the backline.

After starting the campaign with a back five to combat the attacking prowess of Pep Guardiola's Citizens, the Clarets have deployed a back four recently, with veteran defender Charlie Taylor operating in a full-back role.