After months of declining a £31.5 million transfer, the Chelsea star departs with an egg on his face.

Burnley was considering acquiring Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen during the summer, but since declining the Clarets, he has encountered difficulty securing a starting position.

According to Ian Maatsen, unless head coach Mauricio Pochettino grants him a more significant role in the first squad, he will have to contemplate his future at Chelsea.

Following his standout performance for the Clarets on loan in the Championship last season, Burnley and other Premier League clubs expressed interest in acquiring the 21-year-old left-back during the summer. However, this season Maatsen has struggled for playing time at Stamford Bridge and has yet to start a league match.

Given his limited playing time at Chelsea, Maatsen has been demoted to the Under-21s of the Netherlands senior squad. If circumstances do not improve, he has explicitly expressed his intention to contemplate a move on.

Maatsen told Algemeen Dagblad that he was optimistic about forcing his way into the Netherlands’ squad for Euro 2024, but that he maintained his conviction that he could consistently force his way into Chelsea’s plans.

“The European Championship is something I am secretly anticipating,” he stated. In addition, I believe I have performed admirably for the national coach throughout training. I am also aware that to achieve that, I must play more. There is still a chance that could occur at Chelsea.

Young players invariably desire more. As the opportunity presents itself, the trainer’s words instill in me a sense of assurance and readiness. The interim requires that I maintain all options open. Later on, I might be required to make challenging decisions, but the club will notify me of that.”

Maatsen’s admission that he might have to contemplate a move away from Chelsea comes just months after he was caught on camera rejecting a £31.5 million transfer deadline day offer to Burnley.

A social media user has shared a brief video clip in which Maatsen is seen confirming his intentions. “I’m still here, up with the Blues!” he exclaims in response to a Sky Sports News screenshot containing footage detailing his decision.

Although the extent to which Maatsen regrets his decision is uncertain, he emphasized that his rapport with Pochettino remains amicable despite his absence for international duty. He went on: “The manager remarked, ‘You possess every amenity a player could desire.'”

“Our rapport has flourished, in part, due to his candid nature.” His door is wide open for conversation by all. Furthermore, he is eager to gain knowledge from his athletes.