German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund have secured the services of Nigeria-eligible midfielder Carney Chukuemeka from Chelsea, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 21-year-old initially joined Die Schwarzgelben from Stamford Bridge on loan in February, with the option of a permanent transfer included in the deal.
During his loan spell, the former Aston Villa played 17 games for Dortmund, scoring just one goal across the Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
In a post made by the club’s social media account, the 2024 UCL finalists announced they’ve signed Chukwuemeka on a five-year deal from Chelsea.
Welcome back, Carns. pic.twitter.com/wmD0NnwJHI
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) August 26, 2025
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The Austria-born midfielder impressed on loan last season and now joins Dortmund on permanent 20m euro deal.
Coach Niko Kovac sees him as vital creative force in midfield offering depth & technical quality. The Croatian gaffer once praised Chukwuemeka after the midfielder impressed in Dortmund’s win over Union Berlin.
BVB are seeking stability after a shaky start to the 2025/26 campaign that has seen them drop points away at Saint Pauli, and struggle in the DFB Pokal against RW Essen.
“It feels amazing, I’ve gotten to know the club, the fans, the players over the last few months, but now to feel more part of the team after a permanent transfer is a blessing,” Chukwuemeka told BVB TV after signing a five-year deal.
“I can’t wait to help the team, the club, and the fans to achieve our dreams, for sure.
“The paperwork is always the hard part, but I’m glad it’s all cleared out and out of the way, and now I can start pushing and working hard, and hopefully start getting some minutes.
“What convinced me to sign permanently was the belief that Sebastien [Hoeness], and the head coach showed in me over the last few months since the Club World Cup.
“The envinroment, the players, the culture, all of these things played a part, and I enjoyed my time here, so I’m very happy.
“I want to help the team win a trophy, to get Dortmund back where they ought to be and personally, I want to be the best version of myself,” the 1.88m tall midfielder concluded.
Dortmund complete double Chelsea swoop
Chukwuemeka wasn’t Dortmund’s only recruit. Argentinian defender, Aaron Anselmino, also arrives the Signal Iduna Park on a season-long loan without purchase option.
Chelsea secured 5m Euros loan fee for the 19 year old who was also wanted by Real Betis. The 20-year-old made just one appearance for Enzo Maresca’s side, but his immediate task will be to cover Dortmund’s defensive crisis after Filippo Mane’s red card in the 3 – 3 draw against St Pauli.
With Nico Schlotterbeck still in recovery from a meniscus injury, and Niklas Sule out with a calf injury, Waldemar Anton is the only available centre-back for Dortmund, so a loan move for Anselmino provides more security in defence.