Maatsen ready to give his all for Dortmund during loan spell

Ian Maatsen says he has been following Borussia Dortmund for a long time and cannot wait to get started for the Bundesliga side.

The versatile Dutch full-back, 21, has joined on loan from Chelsea until the end of the campaign, having made 15 appearances for the Blues this season with 12 of those coming from the bench.

And after spending a successful spell at Burnley last term, he will continue to gain first-team experience in Germany.

He said: "Borussia Dortmund tried hard to find me. I've been following BVB and its fans for a long time and was even at the Champions League game in Manchester in 2022 to see the team live on the pitch.

"I'm very happy that it's now the loan worked out. I promise that I will give everything for the team's success and I'm really looking forward to seeing the Yellow Wall."

As part of the deal, the Cobham academy graduate has signed a contract extension with Chelsea, keeping him at the club until 2026.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl added: "Due to our current personnel 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 realise this loan before our first Bundesliga game of the year."

Maatsen has found himself down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, with Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella all preferred at left-back.

And with Chilwell returning from injury soon, there would be no immediate prospect of playing time.

The 13-cap Netherlands Under-21s international will be competing with Ramy Bensebaini for that spot at Dortmund and can also play in more advanced areas.

Edin Terzic's men travel to Darmstadt tomorrow with a Champions League last-16 tie with PSV Eindhoven on the horizon next month.