Another Chelsea exit! Forgotten man heads to Turkiye on loan as Blues continue to reshape Enzo Maresca's squad

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David Datro Fofana’s rollercoaster Chelsea career has taken another wild turn after the forgotten striker was shipped out on loan yet again, this time to Turkish outfit Fatih Karagumruk S.K. The Ivorian, who cost the Blues £11 million when he arrived from Molde in January 2023, has failed to nail down a place at Stamford Bridge and has been passed around Europe like unwanted baggage.

Another loan, another lifeline for Fofana

Despite being briefly listed in Chelsea’s Premier League squad just days ago, Fofana was packed off to Istanbul in what looks like his final shot at salvaging a career in blue. The 22-year-old endured miserable spells at Burnley, Union Berlin and most recently Goztepe, where he managed a pitiful two goals in Turkey’s second tier. Yet Chelsea have somehow found a new taker willing to roll the dice.  

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Bomb squad banishment at Cobham

Fofana was part of the so-called “bomb squad” at Cobham. Alongside Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, the striker was condemned to train away from Enzo Maresca’s squad, eat alone in the canteen and even use separate toilets. The message was clear; there was no way back.   

David Datro Fofana has joined Turkish side Fatih Karagümrük S.K. on a season-long loan.

Molde hero turned Chelsea flop

The contrast could not be starker. At Molde, Fofana was a star in the making, smashing home 24 goals and providing eight assists in just 65 games for the Norwegian giants. That hot streak convinced Chelsea’s recruitment chiefs to splash big money, hailing him as one for the future. But three fleeting Premier League appearances in 2022-23 were all he could muster before the loan carousel began.  

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Brentford test await Chelsea

Chelsea have collected seven points from their first three matches in the Premier League and will travel to Brentford on Saturday evening, seeking their third win of the campaign.