Liverpool are keen on signing 21-year-old Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen, also a target for Premier League champions Manchester City.
A report from TEAMtalk has claimed that 21-year-old versatile defender Ian Maatsen is expected to leave Chelsea in the coming months. The likes of Liverpool and Manchester City are fighting it out for his signature.
The Dutch defender needs to play regularly at this stage of his career. But he finds himself behind Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on him as well.
It will be interesting to see if Liverpool can provide him with game-time assurances. Although they will have Andrew Robertson ahead of Maatsen, the Scottish international needs more support and Jurgen Klopp needs to bring in a quality left-back who can rotate with Robertson.
In addition to that, the versatile Chelsea defender could prove to be a quality, long-term alternative to Kostas Tsimikas. If Liverpool can promise him ample game time, the 21-year-old could be tempted to join them in the coming months. Interestingly, Liverpool also chased another Chelsea prospect — Levi Colwill — recently.
Meanwhile, Manchester City need to sign a quality full-back as well and have set their sights on Maatsen. They have had to use Josko Gvardiol as their left-back this season, and Pep Guardiola needs a more specialist option. If Manchester City can offer him a regular starting spot, the 21-year-old is likely to be tempted.
Manchester City have a proven track record of challenging for major trophies, and the 21-year-old will certainly relish the opportunity to play for a club like that. Furthermore, working under a world-class manager like Guardiola will help the 21-year-old improve and fulfil his tremendous potential.
Both Klopp and Guardiola have a proven track record when it comes to nurturing young players, and the opportunity to play for Liverpool and Manchester City could be hard to turn down for the Chelsea utility man.
The Blues will not want to lose a prized young prospect like him to their direct Premier League rivals. But they could be powerless because of his contract situation. Maatsen has a contract at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2025. So, Chelsea will be under pressure to cash in on him unless he signs an extension with them.
