Aston Villa are about to inflict a 'bitter transfer setback' on their future opponents

Joseph Chapman

22 June 2024 at 7:14 am·2-min read

Borussia Dortmund are ruing what has been described by the German press as a 'bitter transfer setback' as last season's loanee Ian Maatsen prepares to complete a move to Aston Villa. Defender Maatsen will leave Chelsea for Villa in a deal worth north of £35m as they seek to strengthen their full-back department.

Maatsen, who is currently away with the Netherlands at Euro 2024, has had loan spells previously with Charlton, Coventry City and Burnley, but in the second half of last season he made a big impact in the Bundesliga and helped Dortmund to reach the Wembley Champions League final, during which they lost to Real Madrid.

Maatsen, who made the Champions League team of the season as a result of his performances, is a marauding left-back who can operate as a wing-back too. As Villa's transfer window plans begin to materalise, the Dutchman will be among the first to come through the doors of Bodymoor Heath ahead of the club's entry into European football's premier competition themselves.

READ: Chelsea have a change of heart as Aston Villa are sent a transfer update

READ: Aston Villa could repeat transfer trick in order to bypass PSR concerns

For Dortmund, it's back to the recruitment drawing board. They're having to think again having not been able to compete with Villa for Maatsen at the price being suggested. They have described it as a 'bitter transfer setback' and they are now forced to look elsewhere in order to strengthen the same area of their squad.

Ironically, Maatsen will - all being well with his move to Villa set to go through - be back at Signal Iduna Park this summer. Villa of course head to Dortmund as a part of their pre-season plans and will take on the German side in a friendly in the middle of August, ahead of their Premier League curtain raiser at West Ham United a week later.

What do you make of the Maatsen deal? Tell us in the comments HERE

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What do you make of the Maatsen deal? Tell us in the comments HERE

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