Borussia Dortmund, competing in the German Bundesliga, announced today, Friday, that they have signed Dutch defender Ian Matsen from Chelsea on loan until the end of the current season. Matsen, 21 years old, began his Premier League career last August and has played in 12 matches for his London club during the current season.
Dortmund's sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, stated: "Due to the current situation of our team, we decided to take action to acquire a left-back during this winter. Ian fits our team because of his strengths." He added, "He possesses great speed and has a strong left foot and can play in multiple positions."
Dortmund finished second in the Bundesliga last season, but their performance has declined this season, and they currently sit fifth, 15 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen and six points behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig, the last team qualifying for the Champions League. However, Dortmund has advanced to the Round of 16 in the Champions League, where they will face Dutch club PSV Eindhoven next month, a team Matsen played for earlier in his career.
The Bundesliga will resume after the winter break later today, Friday.
