Aston Villa has officially announced the acquisition of left-back Ian Maatsen from Chelsea.
The 22-year-old Dutch player, recently named in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, played a pivotal role in helping Borussia Dortmund reach the final while on loan at the German club.
Maatsen is Villa’s second summer signing, following the arrival of winger Lewis Dobbin from Everton. Known for his versatility, Maatsen can operate both as a left-back and in midfield. He is currently representing the Netherlands at UEFA Euro 2024, with his team set to face Romania in the last 16 on Tuesday.
Who is Ian Maatsen?
Born on March 10, 2002, in Vlaardingen, Netherlands, Maatsen began his youth career at Feyenoord. He later moved to Sparta Rotterdam and PSV Eindhoven before joining Chelsea. At Chelsea, he progressed through the ranks, playing for the Under-18s and Under-21s, before being loaned out to Charlton Athletic in 2020.
Maatsen spent a season at Coventry City but truly made his mark at Burnley. Under manager Vincent Kompany, he helped Burnley secure the 2022/23 Championship title, making 39 league appearances and contributing four goals and six assists.
Last season, Maatsen returned to Chelsea and impressed in the Premier League Summer Series tournament in the United States.
He was then loaned to Dortmund in January, where he played a crucial role in their journey to the Champions League final, which they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid. Maatsen made 16 Bundesliga appearances and seven in the Champions League during his stint at Dortmund.
Aston Villa fans will be eager to see how Maatsen’s versatility and experience at the top level will bolster their squad for the upcoming season.
