According to a report from Football.London, Chelsea are facing a tight deadline to secure Ian Maatsen’s future with the club. The 21-year-old defender garnered significant interest for a potential transfer away from Stamford Bridge during the summer, thanks to his standout performances during his loan spell at Burnley. Currently, Maatsen’s future at Chelsea remains shrouded in uncertainty as his contract is due to run out at the end of this season.
Maatsen’s Campaign For Chelsea So Far This Season
Ian Maatsen is relishing the chances that have come his way, but he has yet to secure a starting role in the Premier League, despite accumulating eight appearances for the West London club this season. He has been in the starting lineup only twice during League Cup matches and is yet to register a goal or an assist.
The promising young talent has been an intermittent presence at Stamford Bridge, often entering as a impactful substitute. This situation accounts for his relatively modest averages of 0.5 shots, 0.3 tackles, and 0.2 clearances per game in the English top flight, despite showcasing his potential during the preseason tour (stats via whoscored).
Should Pochettino Renew His Contract At Stamford Bridge?
Maatsen’s contract with Chelsea is set to expire at the end of the season, and the club faces a crucial decision regarding whether to extend his contract or potentially lose him for free next summer.
Since joining Chelsea’s youth ranks, Ian Maatsen has shown immense promise and potential as a versatile left-sided player. His performances while on loan have raised expectations about his future at Stamford Bridge. Maatsen’s versatility as a full-back, midfielder and a central defender adds depth to Chelsea’s squad. He can provide cover in multiple positions, which is crucial over the course of a long season.
Moreover, if Chelsea secure Maatsen’s future, they maintain control over his transfer value. This means that even if they decide to sell him in the future, they can command a significant transfer fee rather than losing him for free next summer.
Nevertheless, Pochettino’s team boasts an abundance of high-caliber players, and Maatsen has encountered challenges in cementing a consistent position. The Chelsea manager has consistently favored Levi Colwill at the left-back position, even during Ben Chilwell’s injury spells, casting uncertainty on the opportunities available for Maatsen’s development.Should Pochettino discover a method to increase Maatsen’s playing minutes, the Blues could potentially ensure his long-term commitment to the club and ward off any interest from potential suitors.
