13 December 2023 , 13:38
740
0
Chelsea will listen to offers for out-of-favour left-back Ian Maatsen in next month's transfer window.
The Blues recently activated a one-year extension clause within the Dutchman's contract which is now set to expire in the summer of 2025. But given Maatsen has struggled for minutes this season under Mauricio Pochettino - despite being one of their standout performers in pre-season - his future prospects at Stamford Bridge currently look bleak. Chelsea had agreed an initial loan deal with Burnley that included a £31.5million obligation to buy late in the summer window - only for Maatsen to snub a return to Turf Moor where he won the Championship title last term.
Now he is prepared to consider any opportunities where regular football is on offer but new FIFA regulations on overseas loan deals mean he may have to leave the club permanently. Clubs are only allowed to have seven players out on loan overseas at one time and Chelsea have currently filled their quota.
Borussia Dortmund are long-standing admirers of the 21-year-old having previously tried to sign the full-back on loan in 2022 and they're now targeting cover for Africa Cup of Nations-bound defender Ramy Bensebaini. It's understood Dortmund are currently working with a limited budget, however and would not have the kind of cash required to sign Maatsen on a permanent deal this winter.
Brazilian attacking midfielder Andrey Santos is set to be recalled from his loan spell with Nottingham Forest but he will only be allowed to head straight back out on loan if he stays within English football. Maatsen, too, could technically still be loaned out to another Premier League club with Burnley, West Ham and Nottingham Forest among his list of potential suitors.
Speaking to Dutch media in October, Maatsen made it clear he was open-minded about leaving Chelsea - revealing he has maintained contact with Burnley boss Vincent Kompany despite rejecting the Clarets this summer.
Ian Maatsen has struggled for minutes this season at Chelsea (Getty Images)He said: "As a young boy you always want more. I gain confidence from the trainer's words and I am ready when the opportunity comes. In the meantime, I have to keep all options open. I may have to make difficult choices later, but then the club will indicate that. 'This doesn't mean I'm mad at you. We'll continue to keep an eye on you,' he [Kompany] said. We still have contact from time to time."
As an academy graduate, Maatsen is another player that would reflect 100 per cent profit against Financial Fair Play - if sold. The versatile defender, who can also play out wide, has played just 295 minutes of action in all competitions this season, came off the bench in Chelsea's 2-0 defeat at Everton on Sunday.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush