Aston Villa has successfully reached an agreement with Chelsea to acquire Dutch defender Ian Maatsen. The transfer fee for the 22-year-old player is estimated to be between £35m and £40m, with potential add-ons included. Maatsen is expected to undergo a medical examination before finalizing the move to Villa Park, where he is set to sign a six-year contract.
One of the key factors in Maatsen’s decision to join Aston Villa was the prospect of playing in the Champions League next season. He had a taste of the competition while on loan at Borussia Dortmund during the latter part of the previous season, reaching the final. Although Chelsea had initially considered a swap deal involving Villa’s striker Jhon Duran, they ultimately decided to sell Maatsen separately.
Despite Dortmund’s interest in signing Maatsen permanently after a successful loan spell, they were not willing to meet the full £35m asking price. Maatsen had signed a contract extension with Chelsea in January, which included a release clause that paved the way for his departure this summer. Currently representing the Netherlands national team at Euro 2024 in Germany, Maatsen is yet to finalize his contract or undergo a medical examination in the Midlands.
Chelsea originally signed Maatsen from PSV Eindhoven in 2019, and he showcased his talent during loan spells at Charlton, Coventry, Burnley, and Dortmund. However, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the team under Mauricio Pochettino last season, making only 16 appearances for the club before his departure.
Maatsen’s move to Aston Villa marks a new chapter in his career, as he aims to establish himself as a key player in the team and continue his development in the Premier League. With the opportunity to compete in the Champions League next season, Maatsen will be eager to make an impact and help Villa achieve their goals on the domestic and European stage.