Chelsea flop set for surprise return - Romano

Tom Weber

• Updated: 5 Jan 2024 12:41 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea are set to surprisingly recall David Datro Fofana from his Union Berlin loan.

Many of the Blues' stars out on loan have not fared particularly well this season. Andrey Santos barely played at Nottingham Forest and had his temporary deal terminated, there have been rumours of Galatasaray wanting to find a way of getting out of Hakim Ziyech's loan agreement and Brazilian wonderkid Angelo Gabriel is reportedly struggling to settle in at sister club RC Strasbourg.

Now, it has been claimed that David Datro Fofana could also prematurely return to Chelsea. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are "prepared to recall David Datro Fofana from loan deal at Union Berlin." This is a rather surprising decision.

Like many of his fellow Chelsea loanees, Fofana has not had an easy time of it. Despite starting the season as a regular in Urs Fischer's side, he failed to produce and eventually fell out with the boss. After refusing to shake his hand while being substituted during a Champions League clash with Napoli, Fofana was suspended by the club for a week.

However, Fischer has since been sacked and Fofana's fortunes appeared to be improving.

Fofana to return?

New Union boss Nenan Bjelica has shown himself more than willing to rely on players that were underutilised by Fischer such as summer signings Benedict Hollerbach and Mikkel Kaufmann. Fofana, though he had to wait for his chance, got his opportunity to shine shortly before the winter break.

He was brought on as a half-time substitute against Koln and netted his first Bundesliga goal of the campaign. However, despite this, it looks as though he will have his deal cut short.

Fofana, after his return, is expected to be loaned out again. According to Relevo, Sevilla are said to be interested in his services. The Europa League winners aren't in a much better position than Union as they currently sit 16th in LaLiga, just a point above the drop zone.