A standout performer for Borussia Dortmund on loan in the second half of the 2023–24 season, he amassed 23 appearances and scored three goals with two assists across all competitions. Chelsea’s homegrown left-back, Ian Maatsen, has officially joined Aston Villa on a six-year, long-term deal. Maatsen is committing his future to Villa Park, with Chelsea set to receive around £37.5 million as a transfer fee from his sale.
Borussia Dortmund’s interest trumps by Premier League return
Although the Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund had expressed its intention to make the Dutch international a permanent name in the Dortmund squad, the 22-year-old is set to return to the Premier League. However, it won’t be to Stamford Bridge, despite signing an extension recently, as his new endeavours await in Birmingham.
Maatsen had already cleared his medical examination in Germany following the agreement with the club, and Aston Villa recently announced his arrival. The defender is currently on international duty with the Dutch national team for Euro 2024. However, he has yet to appear for the Netherlands under Ronald Koeman in the tournament, as they will face England in the semi-final next week.
Transfer helps Chelsea comply with financial regulations
On the other hand, this sale will also benefit Chelsea in complying with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) and in maintaining their financial accounts ahead of the 2024–25 season. Chelsea are planning to shed their squad, with various other names alongside Ian Maatsen on the verge of departing in the summer.
Not only Chelsea, but Leicester City, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Everton, and Aston Villa are other Premier League clubs grappling with PSR constraints and will be required to generate sales during the upcoming transfer window.
Is Ian Maatsen the right choice for Aston Villa?
The 52-year-old Spanish manager, Unai Emery, leading the way, has turned the fortunes of the West Midland club, as they made history by securing their first-ever UEFA Champions League qualification. The former Arsenal manager’s commendable work has transformed the Villans, taking them from 16th place in the table to an astonishing top-four finish in the Premier League.
During the 2023–24 season, Villa showcased an attacking brand of football, with their full-backs operating in advanced positions and maintaining a high defensive line. Therefore, Aston Villa is keen to upgrade multiple positions, including full-backs.
The left-back position is a crucial component of Unai Emery‘s tactic. Villa relies on their left-back to stay high, create chances, progress the ball, and run down the flanks to attack through wide channels. Thus, Ian Maatsen seems to be a perfect fit for Emery’s tactical plans. Even though Alex Moreno and Lucas Digne, two of their left-backs, have played significant roles in fulfilling these duties, Notably, the right-back typically stays deeper, forming an asymmetrical formation that shifts into a back three alongside the two centre-backs to provide defensive stability.
Since Emery wants his left-back to push forward with the ball, Ian Maatsen is undoubtedly the right choice. He is a dynamic left full-back with superb technical ability and excellent ball control, capable of carrying the ball into the opposition half with pace and quality dribbling. Moreover, he excels at playing short passes to link up play and bursting runs down the flanks to exploit gaps in half-spaces. Maatsen also never hesitates to take direct shots at the goal, as demonstrated in the Bundesliga.
The 22-year-old defender’s loan spell in Germany was a big success, following a challenging phase at Chelsea and multiple loan spells. After progressing through the youth ranks to the first-team operations at Stamford Bridge, he managed only three starts in all competitions—one in the Premier League and two in the Carabao Cup for the Blues. He also made eight substitute appearances but struggled to leave a mark as a starter.
Interestingly, at Dortmund, the former PSV defender has proven that with the right amount of trust, guidance, and freedom to display his game, he can thrive. Similarly, Maatsen is expected to shine like a diamond under the supervision of Unai Emery at Villa, potentially becoming the first choice ahead of Alex Moreno and Lucas Digne. His long-term deal at 22 years old means he will have ample time to settle at Villa Park and establish himself as a key player.