Who is Datro Fofana? What Chelsea fans can expect from likely new transfer

Chelsea are set to complete a deal to sign Molde frontman Datro Fofana.

The Blues need striking options following the season-ending injury suffered by Armando Broja, and while they are looking to add a more experienced option, they look to have added some young talent to their striker room. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are ‘on the verge’ of completing a deal worth more than £8.7million, with personal terms being discussed with the player.

But who is Fofana? And what can Chelsea fans expect from the youngster? We take a look below...

Who is Datro Fofana?

David Datro Fofana is a 19-year-old Ivorian striker currently playing for Molde.

He is a striker by trade, also able to play wide, and he is not related to Chelsea star Wesley Fofana. The youngster stands at 5ft11”.

His career so far

Fofana has been with Norwegian side Molde since 2021, joining from home country club AFAD.

Since making the move to Norway, Fofana has scored 15 goals in 41 league games, earning a national team call-up and winning one Ivory Coast cap.

This season, Fofana has scored 21 goals in 37 games across all competitions, scoring four times in 10 Conference League appearances, if you include the four qualifying fixtures. The striker has also managed seven assists across all competitions.

It’s worth noting that Molde won the Norwegian top flight this season, and the season has now finished for Molde, who missed out on progression in the Conference League by a point.

Fofana’s strengths

Given the nationality links, it’s pretty obvious we will see Didier Drogba comparisons for Fofana. Fofana is not built like Drogba, but he is surprisingly strong, holding off opponents with ease.

He is quick and sharp with his feet, not afraid to try a nut-meg or beat an opponent straight up. He loves using trickery and holds the ball up nicely, despite not being particularly tall.

Fofana positions himself well, and he is a threat from out wide or playing centrally - able to adapt to both positions. Though, the major caveat is that he has looked too good for the Norwegian top flight for some time, and the Premier League is going to be another kind of test, particularly for a 19-year-old who is not likely to be an instant starter.