Aston Villa have announced the signing of highly-rated left-back Ian Maatsen from Chelsea. The young defender joins to bolster Villa’s squad ahead of their return to the Champions League.
The 22-year-old Dutchman arrives at Villa Park after a breakout season on loan with Borussia Dortmund.
Maatsen was a key figure in Dortmund’s run to the Champions League final, earning himself a place in the tournament’s Team of the Season. He is currently representing the Netherlands at the European Championships in Germany.
Maatsen’s impressive form in Germany has seen him become Unai Emery’s second summer signing after Lewis Dobbin.
The young defender enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with BVB, registering two goals and two assists in just 16 Bundesliga appearances.
His defensive contributions were equally valuable, helping Dortmund keep six clean sheets during his time there.
Villa are eager to strengthen their squad for their upcoming European adventure and saw Maatsen as the ideal candidate.
Before his loan move to Dortmund, Maatsen struggled to secure a regular starting spot at Chelsea despite Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella struggling in his favoured position.
Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino used Maatsen in several positions different from his actual position.
However, his talent was evident, and he decided to leave for Germany, where his skills would be appreciated.
Villa managed to snag the Cobham Academy graduate for £37.5 million, and he will provide competition for Alex Moreno and Lucas Digne at left-back.
Maatsen is a buccaneering force. He adds depth and attacking threat to Villa’s left flank.
With Champions League football on the horizon, Emery will hope the young Dutchman can replicate his Dortmund form and propel Villa towards success in Europe’s elite competition.
Villa starlet Omari Kellyman will head to Stamford Bridge to join Chelsea in a shocking deal worth £19 million.
The Premier League has warned clubs that they will investigate curious deals like this aimed at circumventing its Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
