Dortmund secures loan deal for Ian Maatsen from Chelsea
Borussia Dortmund has officially confirmed the acquisition of wing-back Ian Maatsen from Chelsea on a loan deal that extends until the end of the season. The announcement was made by the club on Friday, marking a significant addition to Dortmund’s defensive lineup.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the move, Maatsen stated, “I’m very pleased that the loan arrangement has come to fruition. I promise to dedicate myself entirely to the team’s success, and I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to play in front of the passionate Yellow Wall of fans.”
At 21 years old, Maatsen, a Netherlands youth international, joined Chelsea in 2018 and has accumulated 16 first-team appearances. His impressive loan spell at Burnley last season, where he contributed with four goals and six assists in 42 appearances, played a pivotal role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League.
Dortmund’s decision to secure Maatsen comes as a strategic move to bolster their defensive options, particularly with wing-backs Ramy Bensebaini engaged in Africa Cup duties and Julian Ryerson sidelined due to injury. Sebastien Kehl, Dortmund’s sporting director, highlighted Maatsen’s attributes, stating, “He is a player with exceptional speed, a formidable left foot, and versatility in various positions.”
Currently positioned fifth on the league table, Dortmund finds themselves six points adrift of automatic Champions League qualification. The club, which narrowly missed out on the league title last season based on goal difference, is gearing up for the second half of the season, resuming play against Darmstadt on Saturday after the winter break.