According to Evening Standard, Chelsea blocked Barca’s plan to recruit Ian Maatsen by activating a secret clause in this player’s contract. 

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This summer, Burnley asked Ian Maatsen to loan him for the 2023/24 season. They accepted a buyout clause worth 31.5 million pounds if this player plays well. The Blues agreed to this offer, but the 21-year-old refused to leave.

Ian Maatsen rejected this transfer because he hoped to compete for a starting position under coach Mauricio Pochettino. But the left-back only played 83 minutes in the 2023/25 Premier League, facing competition from Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella.

Chelsea blocked Barca’s plan to recruit Ian Maatsen

Maatsen is said to be considering his future at Stamford Bridge. His contract with Chelsea is only valid until the end of this season. Barca is paying special attention to Ian Maatsen, they want to recruit him on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.

When Marcos Alonso’s contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 season, Barca targets Chelsea’s young player to replace him. Barca will negotiate with Maatsen soon in January, to ensure that this deal can be safely concluded soon.

However, according to Evening Standard, Chelsea blocked Barca’s plan to recruit Ian Maatsen by activating a secret clause in this player’s contract. Accordingly, the Blues have extended for another year with Maatsen, now the contract between the two sides is valid until 2025.

Of course, this cannot stop Barca’s ambitions, but now they will have to spend money instead hoping to recruit this young defender on a free transfer. Chelsea fans were delighted when the club activated the 1-year extension clause with the 21-year-old player.

One wrote: “We could tie him down to a permanent deal soon.” Another commented: “Smart move.” A third person shared: “Maybe they are just trying to collect some money.”