Chelsea complete double transfer as Ian Maatsen joins Aston Villa in £38m deal after loan at Borussia Dortmund while Hakim Ziyech finalises permanent move to Galatasaray

Maatsen’s initial contract at Chelsea was set to expire in June 2025. However, it was extended by an additional 12 months in January before his loan move to Dortmund. In Germany, he quickly adapted and established himself as an integral part of the team. During his time at Dortmund, Maatsen made significant contributions, starting all seven of their European matches, including the Champions League final, and featuring in 15 of their 18 Bundesliga games.

Alongside Maatsen's transfer, Chelsea confirmed the permanent departure of Hakim Ziyech to Galatasaray. The Moroccan winger spent last season on loan with the Turkish giants, where a clause was included to make the move permanent. This clause has now been activated free of cost and Ziyech will continue his career in Turkey. Despite foot and ankle injuries disrupting his campaign, he managed to make 23 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.

Galatasaray did not incur a loan fee for Ziyech last season but did cover his wages, amounting to €3.5m. For the upcoming season, Ziyech’s salary has been adjusted to €2.8m. The one-year contract includes an option for an additional season, contingent on unspecified conditions.

Villa's manager, Unai Emery, has long been an admirer of Maatsen. With Villa gearing up for their first Champions League campaign, Emery identified the young defender as a crucial addition to his squad.

Chelsea’s decision to offload Maatsen and Ziyech aligns with their strategic focus on restructuring and balancing the squad. The club aim to streamline their roster while ensuring financial prudence and the sale of Maatsen will see them book some pure profits which will be crucial in their efforts to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).