BREAKING NEWS:Carney Chukwuemeka of Borussia Dortmund during the training session on February

Carney Chukwuemeka of Borussia Dortmund during the training session on February 5, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany.Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images
Former Chelsea midfielder heaps praise on Carney Chukwuemeka after Borussia Dortmund loan, Peter Crouch agrees
Thu 13 February 2025 08:40
Dom Toner
Carney Chukwuemeka will hope to get his career back on track after Chelsea loaned him to Borussia Dortmund for the second half of the season.

Carney Chukwuemeka, 21, only played five first-team games for Chelsea this season. Therefore, it was no real surprise to see him leave on loan in the winter transfer window.

The attacking midfielder completed a temporary move to Germany to play for Dortmund, who have a great track record when it comes to using English players. They have the option to sign him in the summer, too.

Chukwuemeka made his Dortmund debut on Tuesday night, coming on as a late substitute in their Champions League victory away to Sporting Lisbon. Hopefully, he’ll be able to kick on and start to fulfil his huge potential.

READ MORE: How much Chelsea will receive in Carney Chukwuemeka loan deal from Borussia Dortmund move
Carney Chukwuemeka of Borussia Dortmund jogs during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Sporting CP …
Photo by Hendrik Deckers/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images
Steve Sidwell and Peter Crouch react to Carney Chukwuemeka’s loan to Borussia Dortmund
During a conversation on The Peter Crouch podcast, Steve Sidwell and Peter Crouch both agreed that Chukwuemeka’s transfer move to Dortmund is a great one for the player.

Sidwell said: “The Carney Chukwuemeka [loan], he’s a very good player. He didn’t really get a shot. I think he’s going to be one for the future to watch.

Crouch responded: “He’s gone to Dortmund. Obviously we’ve seen so many players flourish there.

Sidwell then added: “Bags of potential. Really, really good. And really young as well.”

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Crouch claimed: “I love him as a player. I really like him. He needs a chance.”

Chukwuemeka received transfer interest from six different clubs in January before his move to the German Bundesliga for the first time in his career.

The 21-year-old playmaker faces competition for a starting position at Dortmund, but we’re confident that he’ll shine because he’ll get more a chance to play. Unfortunately, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca couldn’t find much room for him at Stamford Bridge.

Giovanni Reyna and Carney Chukwuemeka (R) of Borussia Dortmund reacts during the warmup prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout …
Photo by Octavio Passos – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
What Marcel Desailly once said about Carney Chukwuemeka
Even though Chukwuemeka’s first-team career has been stop-start so far due to injury, people should recall that he was very highly rated when he first came through at Aston Villa.

The midfielder’s senior career to date hasn’t yet kicked off, but it may only be a matter of time until something clicks.

Club Appearances Goals Assists
Chelsea 32 2 1
Aston Villa 16 0 1
Borussia Dortmund 1 0 0
Carney Chukwuemeka’s first-team career so far
Back in August 2023, former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly described Chukwuemeka as an “artist” as he raved about his talent. Let’s see if Dortmund can be the perfect home for him to unlock his potential.