Chelsea are keen on handing Ian Maatsen a new contract after the versatile star impressed Mauricio Pochettino during pre-season.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea are on course to hand Ian Maatsen a new long-term deal after a swift u-turn on their plans. The versatile wide man could have left permanently but could yet depart on loan. However the idea will circle around a new agreement.
Ian Maatsen has utilised his chance during pre-season and thoroughly impressed those watching. More so, he has got Mauricio Pochettino talking about him, and the Chelsea manager seemed very happy with what he saw with the defender.
The 21-year-old academy graduate was the subject of a bid from Burnley last month. And after further consideration, Chelsea rejected the approach. Maatsen was not part of the club’s plans going forward despite having a few impressive seasons in the lower leagues.
Maatsen has featured consistently in the last three seasons for Charlton Athletic, Coventry City and Burnley, playing regular senior football. He has incredible experience for his age, and possibly Chelsea were wrong to think about selling him.
Chelsea have now made a swift u-turn in their heads and decided to hand a new contract to the 21-year-old academy graduate. Chelsea plan on a long-term deal for the versatile wide man, who might still leave on loan before the transfer deadline.
Pochettino might keep him on board for the season’s opening period before deciding on his immediate future. During the pre-season tour, the Argentine coach used Maatsen in different positions, including a left-back, left-winger and playmaker.
In a recent press briefing, this is what Pochettino said about Maatsen, “I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions. He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player.”
The decision to hand the 21-year-old a new deal will prove a good choice, and he is the second academy graduate after they recently agreed on a deal with Levi Colwill. Maatsen could have a fantastic future here, but he may have to bide his time for now.
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Chelsea have robust left-sided defensive options, including Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell, which could restrict Maatsen’s path into the team. Hence, a loan move before the window shuts would make plenty of sense, and the player could step up into another Premier League team.
