One of Chelsea’s first winter signings was David Datro Fofana from Molde, who arrived at Stamford Bridge for £10 million. The Ivorian signed a deal until 2029 with an option to extend for another year as Chelsea added some depth to their strike force.
Chelsea have struggled in the league without a competent No.9. Romelu Lukaku left for Inter Milan in the summer and CFC signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to bolster the attack. With Thomas Tuchel sacked, Aubameyang’s position came under jeopardy as new manager Graham Potter did not fully place his trust in the Gabonese striker.
Armando Broja operated as a striker for a few games whereas Kai Havertz was deployed as a central striker for a few games. Broja suffered a cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for the rest of the season. Potter preferred to deploy Havertz as a striker over Aubameyang as he continues to do so even now.
With Datro Fofana coming in January, Chelsea boss Potter would take time to evaluate the Ivorian and then make a call if he will be loaned or kept at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season. The 20 year old made his Chelsea debut in the FA Cup against Manchester City where the Blues were humbled to a 4-0 loss. Fofana made his Premier League debut against Fulham, coming on for the final 15 minutes of the game.
David Datro Fofana could leave Chelsea on loan
During the final stages of the transfer window, many inquiries were made for Datro Fofana. In fact, as per GFFN, Lorient and Chelsea had reached an agreement for loaning Datro Fofana to the Ligue 1 club until the end of the season. However, the loan move was never completed on transfer deadline day and the 20 year old remained at Stamford Bridge.
Now, reports emerging from Turkey suggest that Galatasaray are on the verge of agreeing to a loan deal for Datro Fofana with Chelsea. If hands are shaken over this deal, the striker could wear the Galatasaray colours for the next one and a half seasons. Initially, CFC were skeptical about sending Fofana on loan to Turkey but with limited options available for the Ivorian in terms of teams that can take him on loan, Chelsea will look to agree on a loan deal.
The Turkish Super Lig transfer window remains open until 8th February and a deal can be struck until then. Sending Datro Fofana on a loan deal will help him gain regular minutes and develop his game.
The plan for Datro Fofana seems to be emerging as Chelsea want the Ivorian to head out on loan and gain valuable minutes which will be hard to come by at Stamford Bridge despite their goalscoring woes.
Havertz isn’t the most effective in a striker’s role and Aubameyang’s future remains uncertain. Their goalscoring issues have been highlighted in bold as CFC just scored three goals in six games in January. However, Datro Fofana is inexperienced and too young to lead the Chelsea front line, so a loan move might be the best solution for all parties.
Should CFC loan David Datro Fofana?