Former Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness believes the Midlands club have saved millions in the transfer market this summer after signing Ian Maatsen from Chelsea. Part of Mauricio Pochettino's squad for the first part of last season after previously starring on loan at Burnley, the Dutchman headed to Borussia Dortmund on loan in January with first-team football limited at Stamford Bridge.

It proved to be an incredible move for the 22-year-old as he helped the German side reach the final of the Champions League, a game which they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid at Wembley. Not only that, Maatsen went on to start 22 of his 23 appearances for Dortmund, scoring three goals and registering two assists during the second part of the 2023/24 campaign.

The German side did have the option to purchase him due to a PS35million release clause - exclusive to them - in his contract but it expired last month. Villa and Chelsea compromised on a fee just north of that figure and the Netherlands international subsequently made the move to Villa Park in a deal worth a reported PS37.5million.

Maatsen, who has signed a six-year deal in the Midlands, will once again have the opportunity to play in the Champions League after Villa secured a place at Europe's top table following a top-four finish last season. He could turn out to be some signing for Unai Emery's team if he continues to progress at his current rate.

Wyness believes that his former club have made a "very exciting signing" and that he perhaps should have cost "closer to the PS50million mark". It could be some deal for Monchi, Aston Villa's president of football operations, and one Chelsea may rue if the youngster goes on to excel for the Villans in the years ahead.

"What a signing - I think this is absolutely setting a statement of intent," he said when speaking to Football Insider. "This is a player who has adapted to a European style of football, it gives him options - and that's where Emery's strengths lie, giving himself plenty of options.

"Maatsen is a very exciting signing. I think the valuation is low. I thought he'd be closer to the PS50million mark. Villa fans are going to love him. He's an exciting player. Emery is bringing in more options, and it allows him to change styles mid-game. I think Villa are again going to be a very exciting team to watch next season."

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At a time when Aston Villa have been rather active in the transfer market, the same goes for Enzo Maresca and his Chelsea side. With Maatsen moving to Villa, talented youngster Omari Kellyman has headed in the opposite direction and made the move to west London.

The Blues have also signed Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer after his Fulham contract expired, Marc Guiu joins from Barcelona and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall has followed Maresca to Chelsea from Leicester.

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