Ian Maatsen had been expected to join Dortmund this summer (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Chelsea star Ian Maatsen could be on the move to another club but Dortmund this summer after it was revealed that the Germans do not have a first option on the defender.
Maatsen joined the Bundesliga club in January, after failing to secure first-team football at Stamford Bridge.
The Dutchman, who was dropped from the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad last week, enjoyed a fruitful loan in Germany.
Maatsen started in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley on Saturday and, despite making a bad error for Real’s second goal, the club are desperate to keep him.
The full-back has a £35m release clause in his contract, and it had been expected Dortmund would be given the chance to trigger that with a first option clause.
However, the club do not possess a first option, meaning Maatsen is available to any club that triggers his release clause.
Maatsen has a £35m release clause ) (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
Dortmund remain favourites to sign Maatsen, but the club cannot rely on being front of the queue.
The defender’s put himself in the shop window with his fine displays for the club, and Chelsea are keen to cash in.
Whether Enzo Maresca – the club’s new prospective manager – agrees, remains to be seen.
But Maresca will only be able to advise on transfer strategy, and will be given even less influence than Mauricio Pochettino.
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