Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen joins Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season and signs a contract extension at Stamford Bridge… with the full back keen for more game time

Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen has signed a contract extension at the club and joined Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season.

Maatsen, whose new deal will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2026, spent last campaign at Burnley but struggled for game time after returning to his parent club.

After making 15 appearances this term, albeit with less than 400 minutes in total under his belt, Maatsen has now been sent to Germany for more game time.

The full back’s previous terms at Chelsea were initially due to expire in 2025. 

Maatsen, 21, jetted out on Tuesday and underwent his medical the following day.

The left back was officially unveiled by the Bundesliga club after undergoing his medical

‘Borussia Dortmund tried hard to find me,’ he told Dortmund’s website. ‘I’ve been following BVB and its fans for a long time and was even at the Champions League game in Manchester in autumn 2022 to see the team live on the pitch.

‘I’m very happy that the loan has worked out. I promise that I will give everything for the team’s success and I’m really looking forward to the Yellow Wall.’

Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, added: ‘Due to our current personal situation, we have decided to take action again in the left back position in the winter. With his strengths, Ian fits our requirements profile. 

‘He is a player who has a lot of speed, has a strong left foot and can also be used in various positions. We are very pleased that we were able to finalise this loan before our first Bundesliga game of the year.’

Edin Terzic’s Dortmund are fifth in the Bundesliga, six points adrift of the top four.

Maatsen also signed a contract extension to tie his future down at Stamford Bridge until 2026