Chelsea to unilaterally renew Maatsen's contract to prevent Barça move
The left-back was an option as a free agent next summer but Barça's chances may have evaporated
Chelsea have unilaterally renewed 21-year-old left-back Ian Maatsen, whose contract expires in June, despite the fact that he does not have the confidence of Mauricio Pochettino.
According to 'The Standard,' the English club have extended his contract until 2025 to prevent him from leaving for free, given the interest of several teams in acquiring his services. Barcelona have had very good reports on the left-footed player for some years and he was seen as a market opportunity.
SPORT explained a few days ago that Maatsen was one of the players being monitored to reinforce the team for the next sporting project. He is an international left-back, who last season was at a great level at Burnley on loan but has not had continuity at Chelsea. In fact, this season he has only played 81 minutes despite being a regular in the squad.
Maatsen had turned down two renewal offers from Chelsea as he saw no future at the London club and was aware that the move was only being made in order to sell him this summer to the highest bidder. West Ham and Burnley were interested in signing him last summer but no agreement was reached and the player has had to remain linked to Chelsea.
According to 'The Standard,' Barça's appearance would have motivated Chelsea's last-minute move to renew the player for one season with the aim of making a financial profit. The Blaugrana are combing the market for full-backs, as Marcos Alonso's contract is up, although his continuity is not ruled out if his salary is significantly reduced. Maatsen was one of the players being monitored, but after the unilateral renewal he is losing ground.
The Catalan club had also looked at Boca Júniors left-back Valentín Barco, but Manchester City have moved ahead of the deal and he is likely to sign either this January for a small fee or next June on a free transfer.
Another of the players linked is Juan Miranda, who has not renewed his contract with Betis. Milan are also interested in the ex-Blaugrana, provided he arrives as a free agent.
