Chelsea trigger David Datro Fofana transfer clause as January exit planned | OneFootball

The striker is heading back to Stamford Bridge, but not for long

The 23-year-old had been scoring freely for Fatih Karagümrük, who sit bottom of the Turkish Super Lig, netting eight goals in 15 appearances during the first half of the season.

Chelsea have now triggered a clause to end his loan spell early as they look to cash in on the Ivorian.

Fofana’s return also frees up an international loan spot for Chelsea, allowing another player to leave on a temporary deal until the end of the season.

The striker is attracting interest from the Championship, as well as abroad. Leicester are one potential suitor in need of a striker and are keen on Fofana.

Fofana joined Chelsea from Molde on January 1, 2023, but has played only four times for the Blues since. He had spent time on loan at Union Berlin, Burnley and Goztepe before his spell in Turkey.

Chelsea are also working to offload Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi this month. The pair were available for sale in the summer but no move materialised. They have been training separately from the Chelsea first team in the six months since.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are in negotiations with Rennes over the signing this month of Jeremy Jacquet, who remains the Blues’ primary centre-back target.