Borussia Dortmund are preparing to part ways with Chelsea loanee Carney Chukwuemeka, with no plans to make his stay in Germany permanent, Footynaija.com reports.
The England Under-21 midfielder arrived at Signal Iduna Park in February with high expectations but has struggled to make a lasting impact.
Local outlet Ruhr Nachrichten via Liga Insider reports that while club officials acknowledge his raw talent, injury setbacks and limited playing time have convinced them not to pursue a full transfer — or even extend his loan.
Chukwuemeka, 21, has made just 19 appearances across all competitions, with most of them coming as late substitute appearances.
⚫️ Borussia Dortmund will not make an effort to sign Carney Chukwuemeka permanently in the summer. (RN)
Dortmund will now turn their attentions elsewhere, with Jobe Bellingham a main target.
Chukwuemeka joined on loan from Chelsea in the winter. pic.twitter.com/GklBrRi91W— Get German Football News (@GGFN_) May 15, 2025
The youngster, who is admired by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, showed glimpses of his ability — notably in Dortmund’s 4-1 win over Freiburg — but managed just over 300 minutes of football during his loan spell.
Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl called the loan “a success in its own way”, praising the midfielder for adding depth to the squad and indirectly raising performance levels in others, particularly Julian Brandt.
However, with Chelsea demanding a fee in the region of €30-35 million, Dortmund have opted to explore other midfield options. According to Sky Germany, Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham — the younger brother of ex-BVB star Jude — is now a priority target. Ruhr Nachrichten claim Dortmund would be willing to spend up to €30 million to bring the 19-year-old to the Bundesliga.
Unless Chelsea soften their stance or injuries change the equation, Chukwuemeka’s time at Dortmund appears to be coming to an end.