Chelsea make major January transfer decision ahead of Ian Maatsen move to Borussia Dortmund
Chelsea have recalled David Datro Fofana from his loan at Union Berlin. The 21-year-old made the move to the Bundesliga in the summer and made 17 appearances for the club.
The 21-year-old, who signed for Chelsea in January 2022, struggled to flourish in Germany, however, and has netted just twice for the club. The forward fell out with former Berlin boss Uri Fischer during his stay with the side, before then being left out of a squad under Nenad Bjelica, due to attitude and training performance.
There was indication that Fofana started to convince Bjelica of his talent however. The striker scored in his final appearance for Union Berlin and drew praise from the coach.
He said: “We know that he has talent and quality, but he still has to work hard. If he understands that, he can become a very great player."
There has been some suggestion that Fofana could now move on to Sevilla. However, Fofana's return opens up a space in the number of international loans that Chelsea are permitted.
FIFA allow clubs to send seven players out internationally, with Chelsea having Romelu Lukaku, Gabriel Slonina, Hakim Ziyech, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Diego Moreira and Angelo Gabriel currently out on loan across Europe.
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That would appear to open room for Ian Maatsen's loan move to Borussia Dortmund to be completed. Rules state that players are only exempt from such rules if, «a) the loan occurs before the end of the season of the former club in which the professional turns 21; and b) the professional is a club-trained player with the former club». While Maatsen would be deemed as
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