The departure of Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen is imminent! Borussia Dortmund is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to acquire the Blues defender, and Jadon Sancho is expected to follow suit at the Bundesliga powerhouse.
Defending champion Chelsea is expected to send outcast Ian Maatsen on loan to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
Florian Plettenberg reports (via Sky Sports) that the left back, who is now very low in Mauricio Pochettino’s pecking order, is likely to go on loan to the German club. Even if negotiations have not yet concluded, the article implies that this is the most probable destination for Maatsen during the January transfer window.
Despite a dominant performance in their Champions League group stage, where they were joined by AC Milan, Newcastle United, and Paris Saint-Germain, Dortmund is presently languishing in fifth position of the league. They want to strengthen the team for the second part of the season by adding new players in the winter.
As a team, Chelsea is trying to clear some room in the FFP limitations after a disappointing season that has left them in tenth position in the Premier League. Some have speculated that Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen, two names associated with the Blues’ pursuit of a striker, could join the club this winter.
Given that the Dutchman is not expected to feature in Tuesday, January 9’s Carabao Cup first-leg match against Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough, the transfer might be finalized soon.
Chelsea’s creative star suffers in cramped midfield role
Chelsea have made great use of Cole Palmer’s adaptability this season, but it isn’t without its limitations.
Whenever we’re short on midfielders, which has happened frequently this season, we switch Palmer to a more central role as a playmaker and employ one of our backup wingers.
We need to do all in our power to ensure that he remаins in the role where he is most productive; last night provided more evidence that this is not his best job.
Palmer still had trouble finding open space and creating chances in the center of the field, even against lesser league opponents Friday night. In comparison to when he’s used out wide, his game was considerably subdued, and his greatest strengths were impeded.
Our injuries had no choice but to cause this, but Christopher Nkunku’s return is much-needed. Playing Palmer through the center is detrimental to the team as a whole, and Mauricio Pochettino is well aware of this.