Borussia Dortmund’s push to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season continued on Tuesday with the signing of Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on a contract running until 2030.
The 21-year-old England under-21 international joins for a reported fee of €25 million ($29 million). He spent the second half of last season on loan at Dortmund, making 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring once, and impressing despite battling injury setbacks.
“I’m happy Borussia Dortmund is now my footballing home,” Chukwuemeka said in a statement. “I will give everything to make sure we achieve our goals as a team.”
Born in Austria before moving to England at a young age, Chukwuemeka rose through Aston Villa’s academy before securing a move to Chelsea in 2022. Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken expressed delight at the signing, noting that the midfielder “further increases the quality and creativity of our attacking midfield.”
The move follows Dortmund’s other summer acquisitions, including Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland and Yan Couto from Manchester City. Jobe’s brother, Jude Bellingham, made his breakthrough at Dortmund before sealing a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in 2023 for around €100 million ($117 million).
German tabloid Bild reported on Tuesday that Dortmund are eyeing further Premier League signings before the transfer deadline, with Chelsea defender Aaron Anselmino and Wolves striker Fabio Silva among the potential additions. Speculation also continues over a possible return for Jadon Sancho, who previously starred at Dortmund and recently completed a loan spell at Chelsea.
In addition to player movements, Dortmund announced earlier on Tuesday that coach Niko Kovac’s contract has been extended by one year, keeping him at the Westfalenstadion until 2027.
What you should know
Carney Chukwuemeka’s permanent move to Borussia Dortmund underscores the club’s strategy of investing in young Premier League talent.
Having impressed during his loan spell, the midfielder now has the chance to grow into a key figure in Dortmund’s midfield.
Alongside recent signings Jobe Bellingham and Yan Couto, his arrival signals Dortumund’s ambition to build a squad capable of competing domestically and in Europe.
