Football
Aston Villa Declares Maatsen “Untouchable” Amid Man Utd Bid
Aston Villa confirmed Ian Maatsen is not for sale this summer after Manchester United enquired about the Dutch left-back, citing his central role in the club’s project and ongoing squad stability concerns.
Manchester United have formally enquired about Ian Maatsen’s availability, according to reports by Fabrizio Romano, as the Red Devils seek defensive depth ahead of their return to European competition this season.
Aston Villa responded by informing interested clubs that the Dutch left-back is not for sale this summer — a stance reinforced following United’s approach.
The club has designated Maatsen “untouchable” for the upcoming season and described him as a key part of its long-term project.
This position comes amid broader squad instability: six players who started Aston Villa’s Europa League final victory over Freiburg in May have departed Villa Park this summer.
Those departures include Ollie Watkins, whose £51m move to Al-Hilal occurred at the weekend, as well as Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, and Emi Martinez.
Villa’s decision to retain Maatsen follows their recent signing of left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid — a move that appears to have triggered renewed external interest in Maatsen’s status.
Michael Carrick, Manchester United’s manager, is seeking competition and cover for Luke Shaw, with the club aiming to secure a left-back before the transfer deadline.
The Villans have stated they have no intention of losing further first-team players this summer, following what they describe as a transfer window marked by upheaval.
