Chelsea are pricing Borussia Dortmund out of a deal for Ian Maatsen
According to the Mirror, Borussia Dortmund are facing a significant setback in their pursuit of securing loanee Ian Maatsen on a permanent deal due to Chelsea’s demanding terms. The 22-year-old left-back, who impressed with a goal in Tuesday’s 4-2 Champions League quarter-final victory against Atletico Madrid, has excelled during his time with the Bundesliga champions since arriving in the January transfer window.
However, the Germans have encountered difficulties in negotiating a buy-option within the loan agreement, as Chelsea insisted on an exorbitant fee close to £30 million for the Dutch player. This hefty sum has made it challenging for Dortmund to secure Maatsen’s services permanently.
BVB chief Sebastian Kehl has since revealed that the figure considered out of Dortmund’s financial reach. For context, it would match the club-record fee shelled out to Stade Rennes for Ousmane Dembele back in 2016.
Maatsen’s impressive performances at Signal Iduna Park also imply that Chelsea will now seek the entire value of his newly inserted £35 million release clause in order to agree to a deal. Making it increasingly difficult for BVB to sign him.
The full-back, who would generate a 100% profit for the Blues against FFP if sold, wanted to stay at Chelsea but was unable to win over Mauricio Pochettino during the first half of the season, making only three starts in all competitions from his 15 appearances.
With a summer exit from Stamford Bridge appearing increasingly likely, Ian Maatsen is now focused on prioritizing regular playing time and is keen to secure a permanent stay at Borussia Dortmund. The Dutch left-back sees Dortmund as an ideal destination to continue his development and establish himself as a key player.
Additionally, Bayern Munich have emerged as another interested party in Maatsen’s services, highlighting the growing interest in the talented defender across top European clubs. As Maatsen evaluates his options, securing consistent game time remains his primary objective in determining his next career move.
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However, there is no point in keeping a player beyond his own interest in staying in the squad. Maatsen previously told the Blues that he wants to leave the club and join Dortmund permanently, as he feels more comfortable there. What happens this summer remains to be seen.
