Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'to push for new Ian Maatsen contract'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 05 September 2023

Chelsea are allegedly keen to agree a new long-term contract with Ian Maatsen, despite wanting to sell the Dutchman less than a week ago.

Chelsea are reportedly keen to agree a new long-term contract with Ian Maatsen.

Having spent last season helping Burnley to the Championship title, the left-sided player is back at Stamford Bridge looking to make an impression.

During pre-season, Maatsen emerged as one of Chelsea's most impressive younger talent, starring in several of the games played in the USA.

Since then, though, the 21-year-old has not been handed regular minutes by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, instead having to make do with action from the substitutes' bench in the Premier League.

Although Maatsen played the full 90 minutes in the EFL Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon, just 26 minutes have come across three substitute outings during top-flight matches.

Ian Maatsen and Nicolas Jackson combine for Chelsea against Wrexham on July 19, 2023. © Reuters

While Maatsen has previously given every indication that he wishes to fight for his place, Chelsea were ready to cash in on his services during the closing days of the summer transfer window.

The West Londoners allegedly accepted an offer in the region of £31m from Burnley, who were keen to secure a permanent reunion with the Netherlands Under-21 international.

Despite the prospect of regular football at Turf Moor, Maatsen rejected the opportunity, leaving Chelsea in a vulnerable position regarding his future.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are eager to extend Maatsen's contract past the end of the current campaign.

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly in the stands before the match on August 13, 2023 © Reuters

From their perspective, they risk missing out on a fee for Maatsen, who is in a position where he could depart as a free agent if he does not earn sufficient football during 2023-24.

Romano suggests that a new contract will be signed or Chelsea will attempt to find a solution in January, a time when Maatsen could theoretically speak with foreign clubs.

Maatsen's versatility makes him an asset to Pochettino, but he is third choice at left wing-back and Chelsea have acquired Cole Palmer as an extra option for the final third.

Boehly and Clearlake are also aware that Maatsen counts as an academy graduate, despite being at PSV Eindhoven up until 2018, and would stand to boost their FFP position with a sale of any kind.