Three Chelsea exits confirmed, but fourth star celebrates after foiling huge accepted bid
Chelsea stars Ian Maatsen and Nicolas Jackson
Three Chelsea exits via the loan route crossed the line on deadline day, though a fourth star revelled in foiling his own departure despite the Blues accepting a club-record bid.
It was a busy deadline day at Stamford Bridge, with the bulk of the action revolving around who would leave. Marc Cucurella’s proposed loan exit to Manchester United was ditched by the Red Devils who in turn swooped for Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon.
Elsewhere, a reported £40m bid from Spurs for Conor Gallagher was not enough to convince Chelsea to sell.
There was movement in the wide areas, with Callum Hudson-Odoi joining Nottingham Forest for a fee of around £5m. Cole Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City in an eye-catching £40m plus £2.5m in add-ons switch.
Elsewhere, three loan exits for the club’s younger talent also crossed the line.
Firstly, striker Mason Burstow completed a season-long loan switch to Championship side Sunderland.
Portugal U21 international, Diego Moreira, joined Lyon for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign. The Blues also collected a £2.4m loan fee from the French heavyweight.
Finally, centre-half Bashir Humphreys moved to Swansea City, also via the loan route.
However, one player who remained firmly in place was Ian Maatsen.
Maatsen thrilled at torpedoing £31.5m exit
Numerous outlets including the Athletic and Evening Standard all reported Chelsea accepted a loan with an obligation to buy proposal from Burnley for Maatsen.
The Dutchman, 21, thrived while loaned to Vincent Kompany’s side last term. The Clarets boss aimed to re-sign the versatile left-footer and the obligation was set at a huge £31.5m.
Burnley’s current record arrival remains the £16.1m paid to sign Zeki Amdouni earlier this summer. The Maatsen fee represented almost double that amount.
But despite Chelsea accepting Burnley’s bid, Maatsen was reportedly reluctant to leave Chelsea and re-join his former side.
As such, and with the player unwilling to move, Burnley’s hopes were dashed.
Now, in a video posted on social media, Maatsen can be seen celebrating remaining at Chelsea while watching deadline day unfold on Sky Sports News.
With a broad grin across his face, Maatsen can be heard saying: “I’m still here guys, up the Blues!”
PREM PREDICTIONS: Arsenal too strong for Man Utd; Liverpool stunned; another three points for Tottenham
