How Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana’s deadline day move to Charlton Athletic collapsed after Celtic snub

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Championship club Charlton Athletic missed out on bringing in Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana on deadline day as the deal collapsed at the eleventh hour.

The Addicks had been looking for another defender before the window shut, with Nathan Jones recently emphasising his side needed at least one more reinforcement in that department.

News of a loan enquiry for Chelsea’s Fofana came out of nowhere, given the Addicks have invested heavily in forwards this window including Charlie Kelman from Queens Park Rangers. However, Matty Godden is out after having surgery on his knee, so the Blues man may have served as an interim backup.

First, Fofana was linked with Charlton and Preston, before reports suggested he had turned down Celtic for the Addicks. Conflicting reports rumbled on past the 7pm deadline until late on Monday night, with Charlton clear leaders in the race for his signature, but his move to The Valley eventually collapsed.

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David Datro Fofana’s paperwork wasn’t completed on time

According to Sky Sports, Charlton had submitted the necessary paperwork to the English Football League to bring in the former Burnley loanee.

A deal sheet had been acquired by the second tier club for extra time to get the move over the line.

However, further reports then stated the move had collapsed after the deal was not done in time.

The 22-year-old had turned down a loan move to Celtic in favour of a move across London, but the striker is now expected to stay at Cobham after missing out on being temporarily shipped out for a fourth time since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2023.

Charlton did bring in Southampton defender James Bree on loan until January, and Nathan Jones’ quotes on his arrival hinted there wouldn’t be any further business for the Addicks, putting Fofana’s move into further doubt.

“It’s a real coup to get a player of his quality, athleticism and pedigree. The signing of James finishes off a wonderful window where we have added real quality to the squad,” he said.

Bree is Charlton’s 10th signing of the season.

Charlton sign Southampton’s James Bree on loan

Southampton’s Bree has arrived at The Valley, reuniting with his former Luton Town and Southampton boss Jones.

The 27-year-old has been brought in to give the Addicks more options at right back or right wing back.

He is yet to play any minutes this season after injuring his calf against Brighton in pre-season.

Bree has 50 appearances for the Saints in both the Championship and the Premier League, scoring two goals and grabbing two assists in that time.