Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has revealed that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich blocked a permanent deal for Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi. The Bundesliga outfit were keen on discussing a buy-option for the young marksman, but they ultimately had to settle for a short-term loan for his services.
In a report covered by Goal.com, Watzke highlighted that Dortmund were keen on having an obligation to buy in the summer, but Abramovich remained adamant that Batshuayi would return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, he said: “We tried our best to get a permanent option for Michy Batshuayi. But it was a no go for Chelsea. When Roman Abramovich says no, it is a no.”
Since his transfer, Batshuayi has been a huge hit for the German side, having notched three goals in just two Bundesliga appearances. The former Marseille man has also copied Aubameyang’s front-flip celebration following the switch, thereby making himself a favourite among the Dortmund faithful. Blues boss Antonio Conte had initially been reluctant to let Batshuayi leave even with the club short of options in the strikefront. However, things have paved nicely since the Belgian’s temporary exit with Olivier Giroud having joined from Arsenal whilst Alvaro Morata is also back in the mix.
Morata’s back problem had been a cause of concern for Conte for the past month, but the Spaniard made a surprise comeback versus West Bromwich Albion on Monday night, where he contributed an assist for Eden Hazard’s second goal in the 3-0 win.
Batshuayi is eligible to play for Dortmund in the Europa League knockouts starting from this month, and the 24-year-old will be aiming to impress across all competitions for the club in order to make a push for a regular role with Belgium ahead of the summer World Cup finals.