Manchester City and Pep Guardiola target Dortmund sensation who started in Champions League final

Fifth consecutive PL title

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are aiming for a fifth consecutive Premier League title in 2024/25. To achieve that goal, the Citizens want to strengthen their squad with a player from Borussia Dortmund (and Chelsea).

Ian Maatsen

According to TBR Football, the Premier League champions scouted Ian Maatsen in the Champions League semi-final match between Borussia Dortmund and PSG.

Chelsea

Maatsen has a contract with Chelsea until mid-2026, but spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

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Showing his huge potential

In Germany, Maatsen showed his enormous potential, making 16 Bundesliga appearances, scoring two goals and providing two assists, per Transfermarkt.

Unfortunate in Champions Legaue final

However, the Dutchman played an unfortunate role in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, giving the ball away to Jude Bellingham, who set up Vinicius Junior for the decisive 0-2 scoreline.

Competing at left-back

At Manchester City, Maatsen would compete with Nathan Aké and Josko Gvardiol for the left-back position, with the Dutchman being more of a pure wide left-back. Guardiola's other option is Sergio Gomez, but the Spaniard looks more of a back-up.

Speed

According to WhoScored, Maatsen's main qualities are passing and ball retention. His main weakness is in aerial duels.

Just 22

Maatsen is only 22 years old, but already has plenty of experience. According to Transfermarkt, he had loan spells at Charlton, Coventry and Burnley before being sent to Germany to gain experience at Dortmund.

Bayern Munich?

Manchester City will have to fight against Bayern Munich, as Vincent Kompany's side are also interested in signing the left-back, according to GiveMeSport. Maatsen could become a possible replacement for Alphonso Davies at 'Der Rekordmeister'.

£35m release clause

According to the same source, Dortmund want to keep Maatsen, but are not willing to pay his £35m release clause (almost €30m/around $38m). As Chelsea want to sell, Bayern could have the best chance at the moment.

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