Who is David Datro Fofana? Chelsea's 'new Didier Drogba'

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 4 min read

Chelsea have signed striker David Datro Fofana from Molde. But what else do we know about the youngster?

Well, Molde have come into focus in recent seasons having given Erling Haaland his top-flight debut in 2017, and it seems the Norwegian outfit have been giving their scouting and training of young forwards due diligence ever since.

Fofana is the next off the Molde production line, and Chelsea have splashed more than €10 million to secure his signature in the coming winter transfer window.

READ: Chelsea made HUGE mistake with Lukaku's Inter deal

One of the highest rated young African players per SciSports' predictive algorithm, Fofana could light up the Premier League in the coming years. Football Transfers takes a closer look…

What position does Fofana play in?

Fofana is a striker who occupied wider and deeper positions earlier in his career and was even once found playing full-back for Molde, but he looks every inch the No.9 today.

His is a profile Chelsea need, with Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang misfiring, Armando Broja injured, and no recall option on Romelu Lukaku's loan deal to Inter Milan.

How good is Fofana?

According to Football Transfers' official partner SciSports, Fofana is very good indeed. He has a Potential SciSports Skill of 91.9, which means he would be projected to match Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose best Premier League season to date is 16 goals and three assists.

Fofana had 15 goals and five assists in 24 games in Norway's Eliteserien in 2022.

The youngster has already drawn comparisons to Didier Drogba and Fofana admitted the former Chelsea legend was his idol growing up.

"Chelsea have been my favourite club since I was little,” he said previously, speaking to Norwegian outlet TV2. “Drogba played there, so they have always been my club. So it’s my dream."

READ: The 20 African youngsters with the most potential

What clubs are interested in Fofana?

Chelsea have now signed Fofana, but he was previously linked with Brighton, who reportedly opened talks with the player in November.

As the Seagulls have found to their detriment of late - with Graham Potter and Marc Cucurella making the move in recent months - Stamford Bridge remains a bigger draw than the Amex Stadium, though.

When does Fofana's contract expire?

Fofana has penned a deal until 2029 at Stamford Bridge, with the option to extend for a further year.

How old is Fofana?

Born on 22 December 2002, Fofana is 20 at the time of writing.

He shares a birth date with former Chelsea right-back Dan Petrescu.

What is Fofana's Instagram?

Fofana's Instagram can be found under the handle datro_9. He has 86.6K followers as of January 2023.