Aston Villa Secures Ian Maatsen in £35M Deal from Chelsea

Aston Villa has finalized the acquisition of Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, securing the left-back for a reported fee of £35 million. Maatsen, aged 22, recently concluded a successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, where he contributed to the Bundesliga club’s journey to the Champions League final. Currently with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024, Maatsen is gearing up for a crucial last-16 clash against Romania on Tuesday. His transfer marks Villa’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of striker Lewis Dobbin from Everton.

Originally signed by Chelsea in 2019 from PSV Eindhoven, Maatsen garnered experience through loan stints at Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, Burnley, and Dortmund. His standout performances helped Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League in the 2022-23 season, featuring prominently in the Championship Team of the Season with four goals in 39 appearances.

Although he began last season at Chelsea, Maatsen struggled for regular playing time under manager Mauricio Pochettino, making 15 appearances across all competitions. In January, he moved on a six-month loan to Dortmund, coinciding with a contract extension until June 2026, featuring a release clause that facilitated his departure this summer.

During his tenure in Germany, Maatsen played 23 matches, scoring three goals as Dortmund clinched fifth place in the Bundesliga and contested the Champions League final against Real Madrid, ending in a 2-0 defeat. Having made a total of 16 appearances for Chelsea, Maatsen now departs Stamford Bridge for Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is on the verge of finalizing a deal worth approximately £19 million for 18-year-old attacking midfielder Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa.