Borussia Dortmund has successfully secured a loan deal for Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen, which will last for the remainder of the season. The 21-year-old, who has featured in 15 appearances for Chelsea this season, with only three of those as starts, has decided to make a move to the German club. Maatsen, a Netherlands Under-21 international, had previously spent the last season on loan at Burnley but turned down a permanent move to Turf Moor in August.
Despite his limited playing time at Chelsea, Maatsen has committed to a contract extension until 2026 with the Premier League club. Dortmund’s head coach, Edin Terzic, expressed optimism about Maatsen’s impact on the team, stating, “We hope that Ian will quickly fit into the group and become an important factor for us.” Maatsen, primarily a left-back with versatility to play on the left wing, joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in 2018.
Maatsen’s Aspirations and Dortmund’s Recent Transfers
Ian Maatsen, who aimed to secure a spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI this season, started only once in the Premier League and twice in the EFL Cup for Chelsea. The player’s loan move to Borussia Dortmund signifies a new opportunity for him to showcase his skills. Notably, Maatsen scored four goals and provided six assists for Burnley last season, contributing to the team’s promotion to the Premier League.
In a separate move, Borussia Dortmund made another significant acquisition by bringing back Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on a six-month loan. Dortmund’s coach, Edin Terzic, expressed satisfaction with Sancho’s return, stating, “We are happy that Jadon is finally with us.” The coach emphasized Sancho’s good condition and the winger’s enjoyment on the training pitch, highlighting his recent extensive training.
The addition of Ian Maatsen and the return of Jadon Sancho reflect Dortmund’s strategic approach to bolstering its squad for the remainder of the season. Dortmund’s keen interest in Maatsen was evident as they secured not only a loan deal but also a contract extension with the promising left-back. With two notable signings in as many days, Dortmund aims to strengthen its squad depth and competitiveness in various competitions. The success of these acquisitions will unfold on the field, as the players integrate into the team dynamics and contribute to Dortmund’s pursuit of success both domestically and in European competitions.
