BERLIN (AP) – Union Berlin bolstered their Champions League preparations yesterday by signing Ivorian forward David Datro Fofana from Chelsea on loan for next season.
The 20-year-old Fofana rarely played for Chelsea after the English Premier League club signed him for a reported fee of around EUR12 million (USD13.1 million) from Norwegian team Molde FK in January. He made only three short league appearances for Chelsea.
Union hope to give him more chances to shine in the Bundesliga.
“David’s speed and his flexible offensive qualities are highly interesting for us,” Union sporting director Oliver Ruhnert said. “We want another goal-scoring player who will give our attacking game additional impetus.”
Fofana is Ruhnert’s second signing in three days from English clubs following United States midfielder Brenden Aaronson’s arrival on loan from Leeds on Sunday.
Union, who got promoted to the Bundesliga for the first time only in 2019, finished fourth in the league last season to clinch Champions League qualification for the first time. They will play their European games at Olympiastadion, a venue traditionally used by city rival Hertha Berlin.
