The English transfer window might be closed but there are others around Europe that are still open. And one Chelsea player seems to have taken advantage of that, engineering a move to Turkey. With his chances of getting playing time at Stamford Bridge slim to none, it is the right step for all parties involved.
Chelsea do have a lack of strikers right now. Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu are the only two real options there. But even then, it is more likely that Enzo Maresca would give playing time to Shim Mhueka, who is doing brilliantly at the youth level, than bring David Datro Fofana into the first-team fold.
A 22-goal season at Molde had convinced Chelsea to sign Fofana in early 2023. But since then, he has not done much of note. He has never scored for the Blues and is now heading on his fourth loan spell.
Chelsea have announced on their official website that Fofana has joined Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk. He has moved on a season-long loan.
Official: Chelsea announce striker has joined Turkish club
Fofana is no stranger to Turkish football. He spent last season on loan at Goztepe. So, that should help him settle at Fatih.
So far, Fofana has not really had a breakout season out on loan. His best one was perhaps at Burnley, where he scored four goals in 15 Premier League games. But that is about it.
If Fofana is to bring his career back on track, he has to do well on Fatih. It is pretty clear that this was not the plan though.
Fofana turned down interest from Celtic on deadline day and decided to join Charlton Athletic. But that move did not happen in time. So, the original plan appears to have been to stay in England.