Struggling for game time at Chelsea despite producing a great season on loan at Burnley during the last campaign, Ian Maatsen needed to get a loan in January.
He eventually found it with Borussia Dortmund, who needed help in the position and swiftly moved to get a loan deal over the line.
However, a few days after the move was confirmed, Sport Bild in Germany have come forward with news that will intrigue Chelsea fans.
They report that just before his move to Dortmund, the Dutch defender extended his contract with the Stamford Bridge side by a year, meaning it now keeps him there until 2027.
It’s said that it is set at a fee (around £30m) above his current market value, which they reckon is €20m, and Borussia Dortmund do not have a ‘right of first refusal’ on the player.
Therefore, if they want to sign Maatsen permanently, they will have to act like any other club, although they would probably have an easier time opening a channel with the Blues.
This news is also reported by Sky Germany through their reporter Patrick Berger, who state the release clause in the Chelsea player’s contract is of ‘around €35m’, which will be ‘included from the summer’.
Furthermore, Dortmund have ‘no option to buy him or right of first refusal’.
