Chelsea's talented Dutch defender, Ian Maatsen, has finalised a permanent £35 million move to Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund, the clubs confirmed on Thursday.
The 22-year-old left-back, who enjoyed a highly productive loan spell at Signal Iduna Park during the second half of last season, has signed a long-term contract with the German club, tying him to Dortmund until the summer of 2029.
Maatsen's departure from Stamford Bridge comes after he made just 15 appearances for the Blues, with his path to regular first-team football appearing blocked. His impressive performances in Germany, however, including a standout display in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, convinced Dortmund to trigger the release clause in his Chelsea contract.
A Rising Star Secures His Future
The transfer represents a significant piece of business for both clubs. For Chelsea, it provides a substantial financial return on a player from their academy system, aiding their efforts to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). For Dortmund, it secures one of Europe's most promising young full-backs on a permanent basis.
'We are delighted to welcome Ian to the club on a permanent deal after we were already able to enjoy his qualities last season,' said Dortmund's sporting director, Sebastian Kehl. 'He is a young, dynamic player who already knows our system, the club, and the league and will help us with his attributes.'
From Cobham to the Westfalenstadion
Maatsen's journey to the Bundesliga underscores his rapid development. After loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, and Burnley, where he was named in the Championship Team of the Season, his successful stint in Germany proved to be the catalyst for this big-money move.
His acquisition is a major statement of intent from Dortmund as they look to build a squad capable of challenging Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title and making another deep run in European competition. Maatsen's pace, technical ability, and attacking impetus from the wing-back position made him an instant fan favourite and a perfect fit for Edin Terzić's system.
This transfer brings a conclusive end to Maatsen's chapter in West London and opens an exciting new one in the heart of German football.
