Aston Villa close in on signing Ian Maatsen

HomeExclusives Thu 27 June 2024 17:10, UK

Bryan King has accused Aston Villa of playing with "monopoly money" after Ian Maatsen reportedly signed his contract with the club.

The ex-Villa scout doesn't understand why the 22-year-old is worth as much as he is.

Fabrizio Romano reported via X on Wednesday (26 June) that Maatsen was set to sign a six-year contract at Villa Park "today."

Romano previously reported (23 June) that Maatsen would join Vila from Chelsea for a fee of PS37.5million.

And King - speaking exclusively to Villa News - has been left baffled by the fee.

"The figure seems a bit strange to me," King said.

"If these are the fees that these players can generate, then I think people need to start looking at the standard of player and the way these deals are structured.

"It is almost like these clubs are playing with monopoly money."

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Will Aston Villa regret signing Ian Maatsen from Chelsea? Villa have certainly taken a gamble on Maatsen, there is no getting away from that.

The left-back is only 22 years old and is yet to prove himself in the Premier League, despite an impressive spell with Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Therefore, Unai Emery's side could regret spending such big money on the player.

On the other hand, this could be a gamble which pays off for the club.

Maatsen is still young, and if he does go on to fulfil his potential the PS37.5million which was paid for him could suddenly look like a bargain.

As a result, it appears as if supporters will need to wait and see before delivering an overall verdict on this transfer.

In other Aston Villa news, the club have been accused of abusing a PSR "loophole" after a transfer decision.