Chelsea striker left sweating on deadline day transfer as huge issue emerges

Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana was hopeful of securing a deadline day loan to Charlton but an issue with the paperwork and a failure to meet the 7pm cut-off time means he’s set to remain with the Blues

Chelsea outcast David Datro Fofana looks to have failed to secure his deadline day move away from Stamford Bridge. Charlton didn’t submit the paperwork in time to get the deal done – with the earlier deadline causing issues.

Fofana had a direct choice between the Addicks, just across London, or to go to Scottish champions Celtic, and he chose the former. The striker was looking to secure another loan move but looks like he’ll have to remain at Chelsea for now.

The transfer window closed at 7pm in England – four hours earlier than has previously been the case. Ironically, had he chosen to move to Celtic, the deal would likely have got done with Scottish clubs sticking to the old 11pm deadline.

Instead, Fofana is one of a number of Chelsea players who failed to find ways out of the club and will now be left on the periphery of the squad. Raheem Sterling is perhaps the biggest name and the biggest earner still at the Blues but not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans.

Fofana spent the first part of last season on loan at Goztepe in the Turkish Super Lig, scoring two goals in nine appearances before missing injury robbed him of the second half of the season.

READ MORE: Raheem Sterling left in limbo by Chelsea on transfer deadline day as forgotten man seals moveREAD MORE: Angry Chelsea star seals exit as Bayern Munich agree eye-watering £70.5m total fee

The only options now for the striker are to consider moving to a league whose transfer window has not yet closed. That would mean him heading to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Greece or the Netherlands – which remains a possibility.

Fofana’s decision to pick Charlton over Celtic is also another blow this summer for the Scottish giants. They’ve failed to secure a number of their targets, missed out on the Champions League and saw striker Adam Idah move to Swansea on deadline day.

Chelsea did manage to finalise the future of Nicolas Jackson, eventually allowing him to leave for Bayern Munich, initially on loan. The Blues had pulled the plug on the deal following Liam Delap’s injury but Jackson’s representatives kept pushing and eventually got the deal over the line.

The German giants are paying an increased loan fee of £14.25m and have an obligation to buy, in a deal worth £70.5m. Ben Chilwell was another player to leave, as the ex-England international headed to Strasbourg in France.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.