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August 30, 2024

Sunderland Eye Last-Minute Deal for Chelsea Striker – EFL Championship

Sunderland is attempting to secure a loan deal for Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana before tonight’s transfer deadline.

According to Sunderland Nation, Fofana is the latest striker target identified by the club as manager Regis Le Bris looks to bolster his attacking options before the 11 pm deadline.

Mike McGrath of The Telegraph reports that while Chelsea has faced challenges moving players out today, a loan deal between Sunderland and the Premier League club remains possible.

Sunderland urgently needs a clinical striker to lead its attack, more than any other team in its division. Improving their goal-scoring ability has been a significant challenge, and adding a proven forward could address this critical need.

The club has also explored a deal for Lyon’s highly sought-after striker Gift Orban. However, a transfer now seems unlikely after Orban scored twice in Lyon’s 4-3 victory over Strasbourg.

Additionally, Sunderland were interested in securing Tom Cannon from Leicester City. However, as reported by the Sheffield Star, he has since joined Stoke City on loan.

The Black Cats signed Mason Burstow, Eliezer Mayenda, Luis Semedo, and Nazariy Rusyn last season, yet they managed a pitiful three goals between them. There is clearly room for improvement before the window closes.

David Datro Fofana’s career stats, as per FotMob

Season	Club	Division	Appearances	Goals
2020/21	Molde	Eliteserien	2	1
2021	Molde	Eliteserien	23	1
2022	Molde	Eliteserien	35	19
2022/23	Chelsea	Premier League	4	0
2023/24	Union Berlin, Burnley (loan)	Bundesliga, Premier League	32	6

The most recent was Sunderland targeting David Datro Fofana of Chelsea.

Sunderland is determined to secure a striker and is reportedly “working on a deal” to sign Datro Fofana, which has attracted interest from several Championship clubs.

Mike McGrath said a deal for the former Burnley loanee could still happen before tonight’s deadline. However, with limited time remaining, a deal sheet might be needed to finalize the transfer.

Fofana, a two-cap Ivory Coast international, joined Chelsea from Molde in January 2023 for a fee between £8-10 million on a six-year contract. As one of Chelsea’s promising young talents, he seeks first-team football to realize his potential.

Sunderland may not stop with Fofana. The Northern Echo reports that the Black Cats have also bid for KAA Gent’s Ahmed Abdullahi. Their latest update was posted on their live blog at 1:49 pm.

Highly regarded striker Fofana might be the difference between winning and losing for Sunderland, which is short on goals in its forward line after losing Jack Clarke. If Sunderland receives a late loan bid across the line, the 21-year-old, who has much potential, might be ready to sign in the last few hours of the window.

David Datro Fofana’s influence at Sunderlan

If Sunderland can resolve their obvious striker issues, which Datro Fofana would help with, they could be in a position for a big season under Le Bris.

At any level, prolific attackers are invaluable. Still, for Sunderland in particular—who haven’t had one since Ross Stewart—they are like gold. By his reputation, Fofana seems like a player who may succeed in the second division. This year’s Championship top-end appears to be far weaker than last year’s. That may emphasize how a team like Sunderland may seize the chance and make a serious run at it on deadline day by adding a few picks, such as the strong and agile Ivorian.

He is a young player from Chelsea who has already made an impact while on loan at Burnley. He possesses the strength and size to pin opponents and serve as a focal point, as well as the quickness and movement to play on the shoulder from behind.

Although he would still require fine-tuning in some areas, he might be a great loan signing for Le Bris.

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