Ian Maatsen joins Borussia Dortmund - New Chelsea contract includes exit clause

Chelsea have loaned left-back Ian Maatsen to Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old Dutchman has completed his medical and final paperwork and was finally announced as a new Dortmund player on Friday morning. Prior to signing his loan contract with the Black and Yellows, Maatsen signed a new contract with Chelsea until 2026 that, according to Fabrizio Romano, also includes an exit clause that will be active from the summer of 2024 onwards. Dortmund will initially pay a loan fee in the region of €2-2.5 million, but the actual loan deal will not include an option to make the deal permanent.  

The Dutch U21 national team player has been in Dortmund since Tuesday night and has been patiently waiting for the two clubs to negotiate the finer details of the transfer. Maatsen is expected to add depth to the left wing-back position where head coach Edin Terzic currently only has Ramy Bensebaini available. Bensebaini is currently representing Algeria at the Africa Cup and, on top of that, has also struggled since joining the club from league competitor Gladbach in the summer. Terzic has at times used Julian Ryerson as a left-back, but the Norwegian is currently out with an injury.  

Whether Maatsen will be an instant help for Dortmund remains to be seen. The Dutchman has featured in just 201 minutes across 12 Premier League games this season. A product of both the Feyenoord and PSV academies, Maatsen had productive loan stints with Coventry and Burnley between 2021 and 2023, playing 79 games in the Championship, scoring seven goals and seven assists. During that time, Maatsen managed to first increase his market value from €1m to €12m and then an additional €8m over the last six months. 

Maatsen to Dortmund – Impressed at Burnley

That latest increase in his market value was primarily due to the fact that Burnely would have loved to retain last summer. The promoted Premier League side offered a loan deal with an obligation to buy in the region of €37m for Maatsen, which would have been a record deal for Burnley. 

“Maatsen one was one of the most important players in Vincent Kompany’s possession system and had the freedom to be creative in the attack to use his speed and passing ability,” Area Manager UK Daniel Bush said when asked at the time why Burnley were willing to break the bank for Maatsen. “But he also improved significantly in his defensive play and mentality and has become a complete wing-back.” Indeed, if Maatsen can regain his Championship form at Dortmund, the Dutchman could become a crucial addition in what is a position in need of an upgrade for Dortmund.