Ian Maatsen’s father has confirmed the full back wants to complete a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund this summer, while accusing Chelsea’s owners of putting money above the club’s interests.
Maatsen completed a loan move to the Bundesliga side in January in search of more game time, after playing for less than 400 minutes in 15 appearances for Chelsea.
The Dutch full back has established himself as Dortmund first choice left back, while playing a key role in helping the team advance to the Champions League semi-finals.
Ahead of the semi-final first leg against PSG, Maatsen’s father Edward confirmed his son wants to turn the loan deal permanent in the summer.
In an interview with Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Edward claimed the move has been a ‘good restart’ away from Chelsea, insisting the clubs’ priorities are wrong under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
‘We are working on staying at the club [Dortmund],’ he said.
‘The clubs have to fight it out among themselves. Ian is developing well here and things are not going well at Chelsea since they changed ownership.
‘A lot at that club also revolves around money, which sometimes seems more important than the club’s interests.
‘We have more options besides Chelsea and Dortmund, but Dortmund has proven to be a good restart. And look which guys come from there… [Jude] Bellingham, [Erling] Haaland.’
Chelsea are languishing in ninth in the Premier League and facing 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 at Chelsea until 2026 before completing his loan move.
The contract, however, contains a £35million release clause.
The Dutch defender joined Chelsea in 2018 from Dutch giants PSV, before graduating from the Blues academy.
Maatsen had spells away on loan from Chelsea at Charlton, Coventry and Burnley, helping the latter to win the Championship last season.
His performances with the Clarets led to Maatsen being named the Championship team of the season.
Maatsen’s father has warned other young stars should resist moving to big clubs to allow for development.
‘As a young boy you really shouldn’t join too big a club, with so much pressure. At Manchester City, for example, 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 so well and as a young footballer you are quickly forgotten when things don’t go well.’
