Carney Chukwuemeka joined Borussia Dortmund on loan at the end of the January transfer window from Chelsea FC. He was touted as an exceptional starlet who had the potential to become a star player, and with a strong enough loan spell, Dortmund would have the opportunity to sign the young player permanently for a fee of 30-35 million euros.
While Carney Chukwuemeka’s potential can’t be denied, nor can his gifted technical ability, but unfortunately his fitness has been a larger issue. The Englishman played just over 300 minutes for Borussia Dortmund, and though that time inspired some impressive performances, his lack of fitness has left him in a transfer limbo as Chukwuemeka prepares for his return to the FC Chelsea reserves.
Chelsea seemed optimistic for a potential swap deal, with their interest in the likely departing Jamie Gittens, but 30+ million euros seems like to high a gamble for the Black and Yellows, when they could be using that money in their pursuit of Jobe Bellingham and Rayan Cherki.
Though a permanent transfer seems unlikely, Borussia Dortmund still appreciate the depth he brings to the squad, especially as an option from the bench. The sporting tabloid, Sport Bild now reports that BVB are negotiating with Chelsea for an extension of Chukwuemeka’s loan to keep him with Borussia Dortmund through this summer’s Club World Cup
This latest report does however, contradict a separate report from ESPN, claiming Borussia Dortmund is pursuing a permanent transfer of the Englishman. I’m inclined to believe that BVB will not pursue Carney Chukwuemeka on a permanent deal for the aforementioned reasons. The pros of signing Chukwuemeka do not outweigh the cons, especially the high price-tag.