Aston Villa reached an agreement with Chelsea on Wednesday for the signing of Dutch left-back Ian Maatsen, according to the The Athletic. The player had spent last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund and, despite the poor final, was a crucial part of the runners-up squad in the Champions League.
Maatsen had a £35 million buyout clause in his loan contract with Dortmund, which was not triggered by the Germans. The newspaper reports that the amount paid by Villa is slightly higher than the clause, with a six-year contract agreed.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Aston Villa reach agreement with Chelsea to sign left-back Ian Maatsen. Fee for 22yo Dutch youth int’l just north of now-expired Borussia Dortmund-specific £35m release clause. Personal terms in place on 6yr contract @TheAthleticFC #AVFC #CFC https://t.co/njmDQHF3ZB
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 19, 2024
Aston Villa coach Unai Emery is a fan of the Dutchman and wants to count on the player for the team’s campaign in the next Champions League. Maatsen’s style of play would fit perfectly into the coach’s scheme, which normally sees the left-back move up to attack while the team has possession, with the right-winger transforming into a third defender.
Maatsen is currently with the Dutch team for the European Championship, but did not take the field in the 2-1 victory over Poland last Sunday.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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