David Datro Fofana has become the latest fringe player to leave Chelsea this summer after agreeing a loan deal with Union Berlin.
The German club released an official statement on Tuesday, confirming the 20-year-old’s arrival on a season-long loan to help the club in next season’s Champions League.
Union Berlin defied the odds to secure a fourth-place finish in the Bundesliga last term, booking their ticket for Europe’s top table for the first time in history.
After leading his side to unprecedented success, manager Urs Fischer has already made some moves in the transfer market to assemble a cast worthy of Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Versatile forward Brenden Aaronson and talented Czech Republic midfielder Alex Kral have arrived on loan from Leeds United and Spartak Moscow, respectively.
Despite qualifying for the Champions League, the Iron Ones are operating on a tight budget, hence their proclivities for loan deals.
Following a decent breakout season at Molde, the Ivorian switched to Stamford Bridge last winter but couldn’t handle the pressure of playing in the Premier League.
He only made three cameo league appearances for the Blues in the second half of last season without making an impact.
New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has deemed Fofana surplus to requirements along with numerous other underperforming players.
The Argentine has already done a massive job offloading the deadwood during his early days in London.
Edouard Mendy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Timeoue Bakayoko and Mateo Kovacic are no longer on the club’s payroll.
While all the abovementioned stars left the club permanently, Fofana could still have a chance to rekindle his Chelsea career if his loan stint at Union Berlin goes well.
Romelu Lukaku will likely be the next high-profile departure as he’s unwilling to report for pre-season training in the hope of forcing his return to Inter Milan.
