Chelsea left back Ian Maatsen joins Charlton on season-long loan as youngster seeks game time

Promising Chelsea left back Ian Maatsen has joined Charlton a season-long loan.

The 18-year-old Dutchman is highly thought of at Stamford Bridge after signing from PSV Eindhoven in 2018 and his move to the League One side will be his first loan spell.

Maatsen made his senior debut for the Blues in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby in the Carabao Cup last season and signed a new long-term contract until 2024 in March.

He follows in the footsteps of Jay Dasilva and Conor Gallagher who also joined the Addicks on loan from Chelsea.

Dasilva went on to sign for Bristol City while Gallagher is currently on loan at West Brom after spending last season with Swansea.

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has been looking for an attacking full-back and expressed his delight at signing the youngster for the rest of the campaign.

‘He’s a very exciting left-back. He’s ambitious [with the ball], very good in possession, he has great energy, great pace,’ Bowyer told Charlton’s official website.

‘I would say he is quite similar to Jay Dasilva, the way he travels with the ball and goes past people. He’s exciting and different to what we have.’

Club owner Thomas Sandgaard added: ‘We want to bring in the right players that match the way we want to play and Ian Maatsen is a player of very high pedigree. 

‘He is highly thought of at Chelsea and has played for Holland’s youth teams, so I’m looking forward to seeing him at The Valley.’

Maatsen also said he was excited to join up with the team and is looking to prove he can make the cut at first-team level. 

‘I’m buzzing to get started. I will learn from the boys, I think I will do well here. I will work hard and try to show my best.’