The forward has been the subject of interest from the Rams along with three other clubs with the forward set to leave Stamford Bridge
David Datro Fofana on his Chelsea debut against Manchester City in January 2023
David Datro Fofana on his Chelsea debut against Manchester City in January 2023(Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
View Image
Chelsea look set to recall David Datro Fofana from his loan spell in Turkey amid ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
The forward has been playing for Fatih Karagumruk but the Blues are set to bring that move to a halt amid interest from Celtic, Royal Antwerp and Derby County, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Fofana is under contract until 2029 having initially joined Chelsea from Molde on a pre-contract agreement in 2023.
Since then he has made just four appearances for Chelsea and has been sent out on loan to Union Berlin, Burnley and Göztepe.
This season he has impressed at Super Lig side Fatih Karagümrük where he has scored five times in 12 league games.
He also has experience of Premier League football having spent a half-season on loan at Burnley in 2024 when he scored four goals in 15 games.
The 22-year-old now looks set to leave Stamford Bridge with Romano claiming that Derby are one of three clubs to have expressed an interest.
Derby's main focus this window after signing Dion Sanderson and Oscar Fraulo was to move players out which they achieved last week with the exits of Curtis Nelson and Ebou Adams.
The club may not be finished there in terms of exits either with Ryan Nyambe and Kayden Jackson, who has not been in the squad for the last two games, potential candidates to leave.
A wide player is something that Derby are considering in the window which may also put Corey Blackett-Taylor's future under the spotlight in the coming weeks.
Fofana can play as a striker or out wide, but he was ostracised by former boss Enzo Maresca.
And with strong competition ahead of him at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea now look set to move him on.
Speaking about his future earlier this month, he said: "I want a project where trust, playing time, and ambition align. That’s where a player can truly express himself and grow.
"I know my journey hasn’t been simple, but I believe it has prepared me to be stronger now. I’m not trying to erase the past. I’m building from it.”