Soccer - Transfer fixed: BVB loan player Maatsen to Aston Villa
Borussia Dortmund must give back Leihplayer Ian Maatsen to FC Chelsea after only half a year. The 22-year-old Dutch left-back is switching from his former club to Premier League rivals Aston Villa. The Villans confirmed the transfer on Friday, which had been hinted at in the media for some time.
Dortmund had taken the Dutch EURO participant on loan from Chelsea last winter, where Maatsen played well in Dortmund right away. The exact transfer fee was not disclosed officially. However, according to media reports, Aston Villa offered significantly more than Champions League finalist Dortmund. The British broadcaster BBC had most recently reported that Maatsen's release clause was between 44.5 million and around 50 million Euros.
Aston Villa qualified for the Champions League as the fourth place team in the previous season. Maatsen and the Dutch national team face Romania in the EURO quarterfinals on the coming Tuesday.
Statement from Aston Villa.
- Despite Borussia Dortmund's interest, Ian Maatsen has decided to join Aston Villa on a permanent transfer, ending his half-year loan from Chelsea FC.
- Born and raised in the Netherlands, Maatsen is set to bring his soccer skills to the Premier League, specifically to the team in London.
- Borussia Dortmund, based in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, had initially taken advantage of the EURO participant's talent, loaning him from Chelsea during the winter.
- Maatsen's impressive performance in Borussia Dortmund led to speculation about his future, with English clubs like Aston Villa expressing interest in securing his services.
- The Premier League, England's top soccer league, will now see Maatsen compete against Chelsea, as Aston Villa aims to make a strong impact in the 2023/2024 season.
- The Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund, who reached the Champions League final, will now face competing against Aston Villa in the English Championship, a challenge they'll be ready for.
- With the Dutch national team advancing to the EURO quarterfinals, Maatsen will be training and competing alongside his teammates to secure a spot in the semifinals, with Romania as the first opponent.
