Borussia Dortmund is about to make its first winter signing. Left-back Ian Maatsen from Chelsea FC is set to move to the fifth-place team in the Bundesliga. But how exactly is BVB planning with the 21-year-old Dutchman and what dimensions does the transfer have? sport.de does the check.
A few days before the start of the second half of the season, according to consistent media reports, Borussia Dortmund is upgrading the left-back position: Ian Maatsen is moving on loan from Chelsea to the Bundesliga runners-up.
What does the Revierklub hope for from the young Dutchman? How much does the deal cost? And is the versatile defender also one for the coming season? Here are the most important questions and answers about Ian Maatsen’s possible transfer to BVB:
Why does BVB sign Ian Maatsen?
With the transfer of Ian Maatsen, BVB would close a gaping hole in the squad that had become even larger after the recent absences.
Because in the left-back position, which is already a notorious weak point after the departure of Raphael Guerreiro, several players are missing: Julian Ryerson has to miss out due to a knee injury, U23 young defender Guille Bueno was recently injured in the test against Alkmaar, and the Spaniard is threatened with a longer one Break.
Ramy Bensebaini is also currently with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. However, last year’s summer newcomer has rarely been able to convince anyway. In the test on Tuesday morning against Standard Liège, central defender Nico Schlotterbeck had to move to the left side.
All the more eyes will soon be on Maatsen. He is scheduled to travel to Dortmund on Tuesday in order to complete the mandatory medical check on Wednesday, according to several media reports. The signature should then take place. It is said that Maatsen and BVB have already agreed.
What are the financial dimensions of the transfer?
Ian Maatsen is set to join BVB on loan; according to media reports, his contract will run until the end of the season. According to information from the British “Telegraph”, a loan fee of 2.3 million euros is due for the left-back from Chelsea. The Bundesliga club will also cover the Dutchman’s salary, which is said to be around 330,000 euros until the end of the season.
According to “Sky” information, there is no purchase option for the 21-year-old, nor is there an obligation to purchase, which the top English club is said to have insisted on.
Instead, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are planning to extend Maatsen’s contract, which runs until 2025, for another two years.
The new working paper will apparently be provided with an exit clause for the summer of 2024. It is not known how high this might be. Maatsen’s current market value is estimated at around 20 million euros.
How should Ian Maatsen help BVB?
Ian Maatsen is highly valued at Chelsea FC. “He has quality, he understands the game and he is a very clever player,” Blues team manager Mauricio Pochettino praised the Dutch U21 international in a media round before the season and also highlighted the versatility of the 21-year-old, who was already in the year Moved from PSV Eindhoven to London in 2018 when he was a young teenager.
At that time, Maatsen was still in demand in the offensive wing positions and only moved further back as a professional. However, the youngster, who was loaned out to Burnley FC last season and contributed to promotion to the Premier League as a regular player, has not lost his urge to move forward in recent years. Four goals and six assists adorn his work record at Burnley, where he liked to defend extremely high.
After his return to Chelsea, Maatsen appeared in 16 games across all competitions this season, but at 199 minutes his playing time is manageable. What makes matters worse is that the 1.78 meter tall Dutchman was only used as a classic left-back for around 20 minutes and otherwise had to play in the left midfield or on the attacking flank after being substituted.
Maatsen could help Dortmund’s game with his speed and offensive drive. The observers in Burnley were also impressed by their ball security and crosses.
Is there a longer future for Maatsen at BVB?
As of now, Ian Maatsen’s loan would end after the season. This means: BVB and Chelsea FC would have to renegotiate in the summer if they wanted to sign the Dutchman permanently. The newly defined exit clause, which, according to Romano, should be anchored in the event of an extension, could possibly help the Black and Yellows.
However, whether BVB even wants to sign Maatsen long-term will largely depend on how the left-back performs in Dortmund.
Due to the upcoming recovery of Ryerson, the return of Ramy Bensebaini after the Africa Cup and the loan comeback of BVB young defender Tom Rothe, who is on loan to Holstein Kiel until the end of the season, the personnel situation at BVB at the back left will improve by the summer at the latest .
In order for Maatsen to become a factor, he would have to make the best possible use of the opportunity that currently presents itself. He seems to have the facilities for this.
Chris Rohdenburg