Report: Bundesliga giants want Chelsea player back again | OneFootball

Carney Chukwuemeka’s Future at Dortmund Uncertain Despite Club’s Interest

Dortmund Impressed by Chukwuemeka’s Impact

Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is no fleeting affair. After joining the German side on loan in the winter the 21-year-old made a respectable 16 appearances, contributing one goal and leaving a lasting impression on both fans and staff alike. His involvement even extended to the Club World Cup, with Chelsea extending his loan to ensure his availability during the knockout phase.

Following Dortmund’s narrow 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, sporting director Sebastian Kehl made no secret of the club’s desire to keep Chukwuemeka. “Carney’s loan ends today. That was what we agreed with Chelsea… Now, let’s see. We will definitely have some more discussions in the next few days about his situation.”

Kehl praised the youngster’s decision to join the Bundesliga outfit. “It was a good move from Carney to join us. It won’t be easy, but for sure we will try to keep him because he’s a very good player.”

Photo: IMAGO

Financial Challenge Looms Over Permanent Deal

Chelsea’s £40 million valuation of Chukwuemeka – the same as his release clause – presents a considerable obstacle for Dortmund. A straight transfer seems unlikely under current conditions, especially with Dortmund’s usual cautious spending.

talkSPORT reports that discussions around Chukwuemeka’s future began as early as May. Another loan spell, potentially with an option or obligation to buy, remains a realistic scenario. Kehl confirmed this path could be more feasible: “It’s always easier to loan a player than to buy one, especially within Carney’s [price] range… but let’s see.”

Although talks have yet to reach an advanced stage, Kehl added, “We are pretty close to the player, and he loves Dortmund… Everything else will be decided between Chelsea and us.”

Gittens Deal Reflects Strong Chelsea-Dortmund Relations

Chelsea and Dortmund’s working relationship appears solid. Jamie Gittens’ £52 million move to Stamford Bridge was finalised recently after protracted negotiations. Dortmund had stood firm when Chelsea initially wanted the winger available for Club World Cup duty, delaying the deal until late June.

“Jamie’s move is now done,” Kehl confirmed. “We refused an offer on June 10, but now we have found an agreement… Chelsea will get a very professional and highly motivated young player.”

Dortmund earned around £38 million from their Club World Cup run – a figure tantalisingly close to Chukwuemeka’s asking price. Whether that windfall is reinvested in him remains to be seen.

Eyeing the Future After Club World Cup Exit

Dortmund’s Club World Cup journey may have ended earlier than hoped, but Kehl was optimistic. “It was a sporting success from our side,” he said. “We brought in a little more income than planned… Now we’ll go away and think about how we spend that money.”

He also hinted at areas FIFA must address ahead of the 2026 World Cup, citing kick-off times, weather, and pitch conditions.

Despite falling short, Dortmund left with renewed pride. “We are pretty happy and proud that we could show the world again our ‘black and yellow’.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea fan’s perspective, this report presents a mix of opportunity and risk. Carney Chukwuemeka’s loan spell at Dortmund has evidently been productive, offering him valuable minutes and confidence – things that were in short supply at Stamford Bridge. But with Chelsea demanding £40 million, there’s a clear tension between valuation and long-term vision.

On the one hand, a second loan could further aid Chukwuemeka’s development, and a structured deal with an obligation to buy might benefit all parties if performance metrics are met. On the other hand, some Blues fans might feel the club should reassess the £40m tag. It’s a substantial figure for a player who, despite his talent, hasn’t yet cemented his status in either team.

Moreover, Chelsea’s busy transfer activity this summer – including the Gittens deal – suggests the midfield might be too crowded for Chukwuemeka to return and thrive. If Enzo Maresca’s doesn’t see him as a key part of his immediate plans, then another year in Germany could be best for both the player and the club.

Ultimately, fans will hope that Chelsea’s decision—whether to cash in, loan again, or reintegrate him—is based on long-term squad building rather than short-term financial gain.