CHELSEA are at risk of losing Ian Maatsen to Champions League giants next summer for FREE – just months after a £32million deal with Burnley collapsed.
The Dutch left-back has struggled for game time this term even after being granted a starring role in the Blue’s pre-season squad.
Maatsen had an impressive performance last season while out on loan at Burnley.
The 21-year-old made 42 appearances for Vincent Kompany’s side as they coasted through to Championship promotion.
New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino handed Maatsen a key role in the squad during pre-season.
The club surprisingly accepted a £31.5million bid from Burnley for the youngster on deadline day.
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But Maatsen turned down the move to Turf Moor – and he made it clear on social media that he wasn’t going anywhere.
However, once the Premier League campaign began Maatsen has been pushed back to the sidelines and has featured just 83 minutes across eight games.
Despite left-back Ben Chilwell being absent due to a hamstring injury, Maatsen is still not in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI.
Instead, Levi Colwill a centre-back by trade has switched to play in Chilwell’s position.
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And according to the Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona are exploring their options of signing Maatsen at the end of the season.
The report claims boss Xavi Hernandez will make a final decision on the Netherlands U21 international in January.
Marcos Alonso’s contract expires next summer and with his future at Blaugrana uncertain the Catalan giants are exploring their left-back choices.
With Maatsen’s contract also set to run out in June 2024 a move to Barcelona may be favourable for the Dutchman.
This means Pochettino risks losing the highly-rated star for free.
Poch appeared to be a big fan of the left-back a few months back as he said: “I am so happy with him. He is a player that can play in different positions.
“He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player.
“So far, he is in my plan, yes. I am so pleased with him, as I’ve said, because of his attitude, commitment and his understanding of the game.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
