Chelsea are actively seeking a permanent departure for David Datro Fofana this month, with the club eager to remove the out-of-favour striker from their wage bill at Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old arrived from Molde in January 2023 after Chelsea invested £8.4 million in the highly-rated prospect, who had netted 22 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions for the Norwegian outfit. Fofana was never truly handed a sustained opportunity in Chelsea’s senior side, making just four outings for the club.
Instead, the forward was shipped out on loan, with stints at Union Berlin, Burnley and Goztepe. Fofana then moved to Turkish side Fatih Karagümrük on loan this season, with no realistic route back into the Chelsea first team. He has scored seven times in 14 appearances in all competitions this campaign.
Chelsea working on permanent exit for David Datro Fofana:
Fofana was linked with a switch to Scottish Premiership heavyweights Celtic last summer but was said to have turned down a move to Glasgow in favour of remaining closer to home. A loan move to Charlton Athletic also looked close to completion before falling through late on.
The striker ultimately headed to Turkey, but it now appears Chelsea are determined to secure a permanent solution this month. Providing an update on the situation, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano wrote on Wednesday: “Chelsea and David Datro Fofana are working on a permanent exit this window. Celtic, Royal Antwerp and Derby County all expressed interest over potential deal.”
Celtic and Derby County linked with Blues striker:
Fofana is capable of operating either through the middle or out wide. He is yet to find the net for Chelsea but did register four Premier League goals during his loan spell at Burnley. Celtic currently sit third in the Premiership as they pursue Hearts and Rangers, while Derby County occupy a mid-table position in the Championship.
In a candid interview with Rudy Galetti earlier this month, the attacker even issued an apology to the Blues for failing to justify his price tag. He said: “To Chelsea and their fans: thank you for believing in me, and I’m sorry I couldn’t give you the version of myself you deserved at that time.
“Today, I’m more grounded. I understand football better, but more importantly, I understand myself better. I’m calmer, more disciplined, and more aware of my responsibilities within a team.”