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News
- 23 minutes ago
Chelsea transfer nightmare: Priority signing 'refuses to join'
Cameron Smith
- 31 Aug 2025 19:15 BST
- 4 min read
News
Sporting CP striker Conrad Harder has “refused” to join Chelsea this summer, according to a blockbuster report in Portugal.
The 20-year-old has been identified as a priority transfer target for Enzo Maresca’s side following news that Liam Delap could be sidelined for over eight weeks due to a hamstring injury he suffered during the club’s 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday.
Current ETV
Conrad Harder
F (C)
Sporting CP
Conrad Harder
F (C)
Sporting CP
ETV Range
€22.9M - €28M
Harder scored 13 goals in 54 games during his debut season at Sporting last year and he has been heavily linked with an exit amid significant interest from multiple clubs across Europe.
David Ornstein has officially confirmed that Chelsea are eager to sign the 20-year-old before the summer transfer window closes at 19:00 BST on Monday, while BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella has revealed that selling Nicolas Jackson and landing Harder as his replacement is Chelsea’s “preferred” option on Deadline Day.
However, the Denmark U21 international simply doesn’t want to join the Blues.
That is according to Portuguese outlet Record, who claim that Harder has “refused to go to Chelsea” as he has set his sights on completing a move to RB Leipzig.
He reportedly believes he will develop significantly better as a player if he joins the Bundesliga outfit and he is now “likely” to secure a move to Ole Werner’s side before the window slams shut.
Chelsea’s striker woes
As a result of Harder’s reported decision, Chelsea will be forced to target an alternative option.
The aforementioned Jackson is determined to join Bayern Munich on Transfer Deadline Day, however he remains a Chelsea player and they have informed him to return to the club following Delap’s injury.
However, a permanent sale to Bayern could still be on the cards, while The Telegraph claim that Chelsea may enter into negotiations with Sunderland in a bid to recall Marc Guiu from his loan spell at the Stadium of Light.
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