Mauricio Pochettino believes that Ian Maatsen's future at Chelsea is unlikely, especially after the left-back was loaned out to Borussia Dortmund for the remainder of the season.
According to reports by Fabrizio Romano, Pochettino feels that Maatsen's Chelsea career is likely "over," particularly considering the presence of a £35m release clause in his contract that can be activated by any club in the summer.
“That could very well be the case, with Romano also stating that Maatsen has a £35m release clause in his contract that anyone can activate in the summer," he said, via The Chelsa Chronicle.
Maatsen has impressed during his time at Dortmund, contributing with a couple of assists in just five Bundesliga appearances. Despite Chelsea's issues at left-back this season due to injuries to Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella, Pochettino has consistently overlooked Maatsen, granting him only one Premier League start during his tenure at the club.
Even in the absence of Chilwell, Pochettino preferred using Levi Colwill, a central defender, as a makeshift left-back. This indicates that Maatsen is not considered a viable option for Pochettino in that position. While Maatsen's performances at Dortmund suggest otherwise, Chelsea appears content to let go of their academy graduate, evident from the inclusion of a release clause in his contract.
As a result, it's speculated that Maatsen's departure could pave the way for Chelsea to pursue Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy, who is reportedly available for transfer and has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.