- Maatsen was loaned out to Borussia Dortmund in January in search of playing time
- The full-back has helped the Bundesliga side reach the semi-finals of the Champions League
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Ian Maatsen’s father has confirmed the full-back wants to move permanently to Borussia Dortmund this summer, while accusing Chelsea’s owners of putting money before the club’s interests.
Maatsen completed a move to the Bundesliga in January in search of more playing time, having played less than 400 minutes in 15 games for Chelsea.
The Dutch full-back has established himself as Dortmund’s first-choice left-back as he played a key role in helping the team progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Before the first leg of the semi-final against PSG, Maatsen’s father Edward confirmed that his son wants to make the lease permanent in the summer.
In an interview with Dutch outlet Football InternationalEdward claimed the move was a ‘good restart’ away from Chelsea, and insisted the clubs’ priorities are wrong under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Ian Maatsen scored for Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League quarter-final victory
Edward Maatsen, left, confirmed that his son wants to move to Dortmund permanently
The full-back’s father hit out at Chelsea’s priorities under Todd Boehly’s ownership of the club
“We are working to stay at the club [Dortmund],’ he said.
‘The clubs have to fight it out among themselves. Ian is developing well here and things have not been going well at Chelsea since they changed hands.
‘That club also revolves around money, which sometimes seems more important than the interests of the club.
‘We have more options besides Chelsea and Dortmund, but Dortmund has proven to be a good restart. And look what guys come from there… [Jude] Bellingham, [Erling] Haaland.”
Chelsea are languishing in ninth place in the Premier League and face a battle to secure European football next season.
The Blues could face a second season without Europe since the Boehly-led consortium completed their takeover in 2022.
Maatsen had signed a new contract with Chelsea until 2026 before completing his loan move.
However, the contract contains a £35 million release clause.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea team faces a battle to secure European football next season
Maatsen joined Chelsea’s youth academy in 2018 but has had limited playing time for the first team
The Dutch defender joined Chelsea from PSV in 2018 before graduating from the Blues academy.
Maatsen was loaned out by Chelsea to Charlton, Coventry and Burnley, helping the latter to the championship title last season.
His performances with the Clarets led to Maatsen being named Championship Team of the Season.
Maatsen’s father has warned other young stars to resist moves to big clubs to enable development.
‘As a young boy you really shouldn’t join a club that is too big, where there is so much pressure. For example, at Manchester City they don’t just throw a young boy into the left-back position,” he added.
‘That’s where heads roll when things don’t go well and as a young footballer you are quickly forgotten when things don’t go well.’