English Premier League club Chelsea have reportedly reduced their asking price for midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, paving the way for a potential permanent move to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old England youth international, who impressed during a loan stint in Germany, could now secure a full-time switch to the Signal Iduna Park as the Blues look to trim their squad and generate funds.
According to German news outlet Bild, as cited by Ruhr24, Chelsea are now open to selling Chukwuemeka for a reduced fee of around €25 million, significantly lower than their original €40 million valuation. This development comes as Dortmund step up efforts to sign the young midfielder following his promising performances last season.
Chukwuemeka joined Borussia Dortmund on loan during the second half of the 2024/2025 season, making 17 appearances across all competitions. Despite stiff competition for places, the dynamic midfielder quickly earned the trust of Dortmund head coach Nuri Şahin, contributing with composed displays, tactical awareness, and technical flair that added depth to Dortmund’s midfield.
Sources close to the player have revealed that Chukwuemeka is keen on making a permanent return to Dortmund, a sentiment that is reportedly aiding the Bundesliga side’s negotiating stance. His enthusiasm for the move, coupled with Chelsea’s softened position, could see the deal wrapped up before the end of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea’s Shift in Transfer Strategy
Chelsea’s willingness to lower their demands signals a pragmatic shift in their transfer strategy under manager Enzo Maresca and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. The club has spent heavily in recent seasons but is now focused on trimming an inflated squad and offloading players who may not feature prominently in the manager’s plans.
Chukwuemeka, while highly rated, struggled to cement a regular place in Chelsea’s first team since joining from Aston Villa in 2022. The midfielder made just 14 appearances for the Blues, largely in cup competitions and off the bench in the Premier League.
The Stamford Bridge club had initially signed the youngster in a £20 million deal, beating several European sides to his signature. His potential was never in question, but a combination of injuries, managerial changes, and intense competition in Chelsea’s midfield ranks hindered his breakthrough.
With the likes of Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Conor Gallagher occupying central midfield roles, Chukwuemeka has found first-team opportunities limited. A move away could now be in the best interest of both parties, offering the player a fresh start and Chelsea a welcome boost to their summer transfer funds.
Dortmund Eager to Bolster Midfield Options
Borussia Dortmund, fresh from a UEFA Champions League final appearance, are looking to reinforce their midfield with youthful energy and creativity. Chukwuemeka is viewed as an ideal candidate to provide both, with Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl reportedly impressed by his development and adaptability during his loan spell.
The Bundesliga side has a reputation for nurturing young talent, with past success stories including Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, and Christian Pulisic—players who arrived at the club in their early twenties and blossomed into global stars.
Dortmund see Chukwuemeka as a long-term investment and are hoping Chelsea’s revised valuation will allow them to complete the deal without breaching their summer budget. With the player pushing for the move and already settled in the squad, talks are expected to progress swiftly in the coming days.
Career Background
Born in Austria to Nigerian parents and raised in England, Carney Chukwuemeka is eligible to represent three countries at senior international level, though he has so far featured for England’s youth teams, including the U19 and U21 sides.
A product of the Northampton Town and Aston Villa academies, Chukwuemeka made his Premier League debut for Villa in 2021 before Chelsea secured his services in the summer of 2022. His technical quality, ball-carrying ability, and vision earned him plaudits as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the country.
However, his time at Chelsea has been marred by inconsistency and injuries. The move to Dortmund appears to have reignited his confidence, and he is now determined to relaunch his career in the German top flight.
What This Means for Chelsea
For Chelsea, the potential sale represents both a financial boost and a step toward squad clarity. With UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations becoming increasingly stringent, offloading surplus talent is critical for the West London club as they look to reinvest smartly in other areas of the squad.
The reduced transfer fee may seem like a loss on paper, considering Chukwuemeka’s age and potential, but Chelsea’s focus on balancing the books and maintaining dressing room harmony is taking precedence.
Moreover, selling a player to a European rival outside the Premier League means Chelsea avoid strengthening a domestic competitor—something the club has been cautious about in recent years.
Next Steps
Talks between the two clubs are expected to intensify over the next week, with Dortmund eager to finalize personal terms with Chukwuemeka and wrap up the formalities before the Bundesliga season kicks off. Should the deal go through, the 21-year-old would become one of Dortmund’s marquee summer signings and a potential midfield pillar for years to come.
For Chukwuemeka, the move represents a vital opportunity to kick-start a career that once promised stardom and still holds great promise. And for Chelsea, it’s another step in recalibrating their squad with a more streamlined, efficient setup.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor developments on this transfer and bring readers timely updates as the deal progresses.
