Chelsea star Ian Maatsen could be on the move to another club this summer, with Dortmund no longer having a first option on the defender. Maatsen joined the Bundesliga club in January after struggling to secure regular playing time at Stamford Bridge. Despite being dropped from the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad, Maatsen had a successful loan spell in Germany and even started in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. While he made a mistake that led to Real’s second goal, Dortmund is still eager to keep him.
There had been speculation that Dortmund would have the opportunity to trigger Maatsen’s £35m release clause with a first option clause. However, it has now been revealed that the club does not possess this first option, meaning any club can potentially sign the talented full-back by triggering his release clause.
Although Dortmund remains the favorites to sign Maatsen, they cannot rely on being at the front of the queue. The defender has attracted attention with his impressive performances, and Chelsea is keen to capitalize on his potential sale. The decision on whether to sell Maatsen will ultimately rest with Enzo Maresca, who is expected to become the club’s new manager. However, Maresca’s influence in transfer strategy may be limited, potentially even less than Mauricio Pochettino had during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
In conclusion, while Maatsen’s future remains uncertain, it is clear that the young defender’s stock has risen significantly during his loan spell at Dortmund. With his release clause now known, several clubs may enter the race to secure his services. Dortmund may still have an advantage due to their previous association with Maatsen, but Chelsea will be looking to maximize their financial gain from his potential sale. Ultimately, the decision will lie with Enzo Maresca, who will need to weigh up the benefits of keeping Maatsen or cashing in on his impressive performances.