Chelsea open to offers for defender who was praised by Mauricio Pochettino for four key things in pre-season

Chelsea are willing to sanction the sale of Ian Maatsen in January

As per Football.London, Chelsea are open to listening to offers for Ian Maatsen in the January transfer window, whom Mauricio Pochettino praised for his attitude, commitment, understanding of the game, and versatility during the pre-season.

But things never looked easy for Maatsen, who has been barely used since the start of the campaign. The fullback has only appeared in nine Premier League matches. He has yet to start a game so far and has been on the pitch for 295 minutes.

Chelsea also tried to sell the Dutchman in the recent summer window, but the 23-year-old opted to stay and fight for his place, which hasn’t been the case so far.

Chelsea are willing to sanction the sale of Ian Maatsen in January. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Chelsea are ready to sell Ian Maatsen in January. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

However, injuries to Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella could allow him to showcase his credentials, but we are nearly close to the winter transfer window. The left-back has 18 months left on his contract, and the Blues know that they will have their last shot at selling the player for a decent price this coming window.

Despite Pochettino praising Maatsen in pre-season, now it seems like the club doesn’t consider the 21-year-old part of their plan and is ready to offload him come January. Even Maatsen has now understood that chances of playing at Chelsea are rare and the fullback might open for a move.

 Ian Maatsen is yet to start a game for Chelsea this season.
Ian Maatsen is yet to start a game for Chelsea this season.

Despite his compelling preseason showing and the Argentine manager’s praise for it, it’s unfortunate that he didn’t receive enough opportunities this season. Maatsen may depart the team in January because Pochettino’s structure never saw him get enough game time, perhaps he will have chances to turn things around because Cucurella and Chilwell are both sidelined with injuries.

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Maatsen may have enough shots to please Pochettino if the manager doesn’t start Levi Colwill at left-back in Chilwell and Cucurella’s absence. It will be difficult for him to do so because Maatsen has little chance of staying here given that the team is willing to trade Conor Gallagher, who has been starting every game.