Chelsea have reportedly agreed to sell left-back Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa, following his loan stint at Borussia Dortmund where he featured prominently, including in the Champions League final last month.
Despite impressing at Dortmund and Chelsea’s need for a reliable left-back, Maatsen is poised for a permanent transfer to a Premier League competitor. The move will see Chelsea earn a substantial fee for the academy-developed player.
During his loan at Dortmund, there was an unused £35 million release clause option. According to The Athletic, Aston Villa has now agreed to acquire Maatsen for a fee slightly above that amount and is finalizing the terms of a six-year contract that has been agreed upon.
Maatsen’s Chelsea contract, extended during his loan period, runs until the summer of 2026, with two years remaining. He joined Chelsea at 16 and turned 22 in March, experiencing a rapid rise despite challenges in establishing himself in London. Maatsen previously spent seasons on loan in the Championship, winning the division with Burnley in 2022/23.
While Maatsen had limited opportunities at Chelsea, his move to Villa marks a return to the Champions League, with Villa having secured fourth place in the Premier League for the first time in over 40 years. Villa is expected to part ways with one of their current left-backs, Alex Moreno or Lucas Digne, to accommodate Maatsen’s arrival.
