Transfer Saga: Aston Villa and Chelsea Finalize £37.5m Deal for Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen After Hijack Attempt
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Aston Villa has secured a deal to sign Dutch defender Ian Maatsen from Chelsea. The transfer fee is estimated to be between £35 million and £40 million, with potential add-ons. Maatsen is expected to sign a six-year contract at Villa Park, pending a medical examination.
Maatsen’s decision to join Villa was influenced by the promise of Champions League football next season. During the second half of the previous season, he reached the Champions League final while on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Although Chelsea had considered a swap deal involving Villa striker Jhon Duran, they ultimately chose to sell Maatsen separately. Dortmund had also expressed interest in signing Maatsen permanently but was unwilling to meet the full £35 million asking price.
Maatsen, who started his career at PSV Eindhoven, excelled during loan spells at Charlton, Coventry, Burnley, and Dortmund. Despite limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge, he leaves Chelsea having played 16 games for the club.
Villa’s confidence in convincing Maatsen to join their resurgent squad stems from their impressive fourth-place finish in the previous season, guided by manager Unai Emery. The allure of another Champions League campaign and Emery’s positive approach could sway Maatsen’s decision.
