Barcelona will reportedly look to sign versatile Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen in a Bosman move in the 2024 summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Ian Maatsen is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions continue to scour the market for cost-effective solutions. The versatile Chelsea defender has thus emerged as a target, with his contract with the Blues expiring.
Ian Maatsen is one of the brightest young prospects to emanate from the fabled Cobham Academy at Chelsea in the last few years. Born in Vlaardingen in the Netherlands, the Dutchman began his youth career in his homeland before joining Chelsea in 2018. He subsequently rose through the ranks at the West London club before making his first-team debut as a 17-year-old in September 2019.
But Maatsen spent the last three seasons on loan away from Chelsea, impressing at Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, and Burnley. The 21-year-old was excellent during the Blues’ pre-season campaign, and they decided not to sell him in the summer transfer window. But as Deadline Day approached, Chelsea put him up for sale.
Chelsea and Burnley even agreed to a deal for the versatile defender before he rejected the move. Maatsen’s expiring contract perhaps drove Chelsea’s decision to sell him apart from the need to balance the books. But with the youngster remaining at Stamford Bridge, the Blues want to tie him to a new contract.
Meanwhile, Maatsen’s contract situation has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of many high-profile clubs. Recent reports have linked him with Real Madrid and Manchester City, with Barcelona now joining the race to sign him.
While the reigning La Liga champions have a long-term left-back in their squad, they want another left-back to compete with Alejandro Balde. But Maatsen’s versatility means he can be an asset by taking up advanced positions on the left flank while also being an option for central areas.
However, a move for Maatsen will likely only materialise if he runs down his contract with Chelsea. So, Barcelona will closely monitor his situation, hoping for Chelsea to fail to tie him to a new deal. For now, the versatile 21-year-old defender has emerged as a viable target for the Blaugrana.
