In the recently inked contract extension for Ian Maatsen, Chelsea has strategically included a release clause set at £35M. While committing to a season-long loan at Borussia Dortmund, the talented left defender concurrently secured a new contract; however, the activation of his release clause is deferred until June.

Maatsen made a notable impact during his Bundesliga debut in Borussia Dortmund’s 3-0 victory over Darmstadt last weekend, starting and playing every minute of the match. Despite being a 2018 signing for Chelsea, Maatsen’s playing time has been limited, featuring in 15 games for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad this year, with just one start in a Premier League match against Crystal Palace last month—a game which Chelsea won 2-1.

Even amidst significant injuries in the Chelsea squad, particularly in the left-back position, the 21-year-old found it challenging to secure consistent game time. The Blues are optimistic that Maatsen’s increased role at the Westfalenstadion during his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund will contribute to his development and, ideally, enhance his market value.

Following a spirited victory over Fulham in their most recent Premier League outing, Chelsea has climbed to the ninth position in the standings, trailing sixth-place West Ham by three points. As they return from the winter break later this month, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad is gearing up to face Middlesbrough in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, aiming to overturn a 1-0 deficit and secure a spot in the final.