Preston North End have been on the hunt for another forward addition, with their budget seemingly requiring a loan signing at this time. David Datro Fofana is the latest to be linked to the Lancashire side.
The 22-year-old is currently on the books at Chelsea, with an immediate future lying elsewhere as the Blues hope to develop him further, while still remaining at the club. Fofana spent the latter half of the 2023/24 season in Lancashire, with a loan move to Burnley securing 15 appearances in the Premier League. The striker scored four goals in the top flight and joined Göztepe in the Turkish Super Lig the following season.
Chelsea ultimately recalled Fofana after only featuring in nine games for Göztepe and are looking to aid his growth with a temporary move to the EFL. The Championship is a competitive league where many talented players sink or swim – Fofana could thrive in a North End frontline stacked with loan talent.
According to Pete O’Rourke, Preston aren’t the only Championship club interested in the young striker. Charlton Athletic have reportedly enquired too. Nathan Jones’ newly-promoted side started their window strong with important second tier-level reinforcements, but desperately need to start scoring goals. Fofana offers this and more.
The Blues signed Fofana in 2023 from Molde for a reported fee of £10 million. This value, alongside Premier League and abroad experience in the top flight, suggests that the 22-year-old could be one of the most exciting strikers in the second tier if a move can be pulled off by either one of the chasing pack.
Writer’s View
Who would Fofana suit more?
Charlton’s current roster suggests that a more exciting, upper-echelon striker may be required to bring in goals for the Addicks. Isaac Olaofe was brought in this summer from Stockport County, but could take a while to thoroughly break into the starting league line-up. An assist for the 25-year-old in an EFL Cup victory over Stevenage shows signs of promise though.
Matt Godden’s injury has ruled him out until September at least. Charlie Kelman – who signed from Queens Park Rangers this summer – has yet to replicate his Leyton Orient form. Miles Leaburn is currently leading the line, with just one goal and assist this campaign outside of the league.
North End however are in need of another striker too. Milutin Osmajic has scored three times already this season, but is subject to off-pitch problems and currently out injured with a rib issue. Daniel Jebbison is out once again and both Michael Smith and Will Keane are utilised as hold-up strikers in a pair rather than a poacher archetype.
