Ian Maatsen almost joined Rangers as Borussia Dortmund star's transfer near miss revealed

Gio van Bronckhorst has revealed he wanted to bring Champions League finalist Ian Maatsen to Ibrox.

Defender Maatsen, 22, helped Borussia Dortmund book their ticket to Wembley last night after the German giants beat PSG in the semis to progress 2-0 on aggregate. It's a remarkable rise for the ex-Chelsea left-back, who spent last season on loan with Burnley in the Championship.

But ex-Rangers boss Van Bronckhorst has told how the Netherlands Under-21 starlet's career could have panned out very differently had he got his way. GVB confirmed Gers were in the running for the youngster's signature in summer 2022 after Maatsen had just ended an impressive loan spell with Coventry City.

He told RTL7: “He was still on my list for Rangers. I was very charmed by him to bring him to Rangers.

"That didn't work out in the end, but he is a player with a lot of drive, who always looks forward and is also becoming stronger defensively. He scores goals and that is certainly very nice to watch."