Burnley’s hopes of securing the return of Ian Maatsen now seem more unlikely than ever.
According to the Daily Mail Transfer Confidential, Burnley target Ian Maatsen is also of interest to West Ham United. On top of that, Mauricio Pochettino is increasingly keen to keep the young defender at Chelsea.
The Argentine coach has been impressed by Maatsen in pre-season, and believes the Dutchman has “enormous potential” that he will want to see come to fruition at Stamford Bridge, as quoted by Lancs Live.
Even if Burnley were able to mount a better offer for the player than West Ham, or match Chelsea’s £20 million asking price, it seems Maatsen is destined to stay with the Blues this summer.
This will come as a blow to Vincent Kompany, who is a huge admirer of Maatsen. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan with the Clarets, and was a key figure for the club as they achieved promotion to the Premier League. He made 39 league appearances for the club, scoring 4 goals, on the way to lifting the Championship league title.
Burnley must plan for life without Maatsen
Kompany was effusive in his praise for Maatsen during his time at Turf Moor. As quoted by Sky Sports, the Belgian coach said, “he’s a very, very versatile full-back with lots of energy and great potential.”
Burnley face a very different challenge this year in the top flight. They won’t be the all-conquering force they were in the second tier. The manager will have to adjust how his full-backs approach the game tactically as a result of this. Maatsen’s great strength is the fact he marries defensive security with attacking verve. That is something that Burnley will struggle to replace.
Like Taylor Harwood-Bellis, whose £15 million asking price looks to be beyond Burnley, Maatsen is a promotion hero that Burnley will have to learn to live without.