Chelsea confirm another exit as record fee is agreed for 20-year-old rising star

Chelsea have confirmed Ian Maatsen has left the club to join Aston Villa permanently after returning from loan at Dortmund, where he helped the team reach the Champions League final.

Maatsen, who is currently at the Euros with his country, the Netherlands, agreed personal terms last week, and now both clubs have confirmed the move that sees him relocate to the Midlands. He will play in the Champions League while Chelsea will compete in the Europa Conference League.

Maatsen has signed a six-year contract and will be tied down at Villa Park until 2030.

A Chelsea statement read: “Ian Maatsen has left Chelsea and completed a permanent transfer to Aston Villa. The Dutchman has made the switch to the Midlands and ends his six-year Chelsea stay, which culminated in a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund during the second half of last season. The versatile left-sided player joined our Academy from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2018 and made his senior debut for the Blues a year later, coming off the bench during a 7-1 League Cup win over Grimsby Town in September 2019.”

It is believed that the deal is worth in excess of the £35m release clause Chelsea agreed with Dortmund in the winter window.

Club record fee for Omari Hutchinson

In more outgoing transfer news, Ipswich have also agreed on a record deal for Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson, who impressed and helped them gain Premier League promotion last season. According to talkSPORT, a fee is around £22.5 million, and personal terms have already been agreed for the 20-year-old to return to Portman Road. If the deal goes through, it will be the first time that Ipswich have bought a player for more than £10 million in 23 years.

Chelsea have been busy in the transfer window, and these exits will help them raise funds for players they have been linked to.