Chelsea are scrambling to bolster their attacking options as the transfer window nears its dramatic close, with Sporting CP’s rising star Conrad Harder emerging as a prime target. The Blues’ striker crisis deepened following a hamstring injury to Liam Delap during their 2-0 victory over Fulham, throwing Enzo Maresca’s carefully laid plans into disarray.
The injury to Delap, who is expected to be sidelined for up to two months, has left Chelsea alarmingly short up top. The situation was compounded by the club’s decision to halt a proposed loan move for Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich. However, with the German giants now rumored to be preparing a permanent bid for the Senegalese striker, Chelsea are racing against time to secure reinforcements before Monday’s deadline.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Blues have set their sights on 20-year-old Danish sensation Conrad Harder, who has been a sought-after talent across Europe this summer. Valued at approximately £20.7 million by Transfermarkt, Harder represents a cost-effective option for a club desperate to resolve their attacking woes. The young forward, who served as a backup to Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP, made an impressive mark in the 2024-25 season, netting 11 goals in 47 appearances for the Portuguese champions.
Harder’s stock has risen significantly, with clubs like AC Milan, RB Leipzig, and Rennes all reportedly failing to lure him away from Sporting earlier this summer. His versatility, clinical finishing, and potential for growth make him an attractive prospect for Chelsea, who initially explored loan options but found no suitable candidates, prompting a shift toward permanent signings.
Chelsea’s striker situation is eerily reminiscent of last season’s winter transfer window, when injuries to Jackson and Marc Guiu forced the club to rely on makeshift solutions. Players like Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and even Tyrique George stepped up as emergency forwards, with George notably filling in during the recent Fulham clash. With Jackson reportedly reluctant to return to London and Bayern circling, the Blues are acutely aware of the risks of entering the second half of the season with only one fit striker.
Maresca’s side started the campaign with Delap and Joao Pedro as their primary attacking options, but Delap’s injury has exposed their lack of depth. The club’s hierarchy is now working tirelessly to avoid a repeat of last season’s chaos, with Harder emerging as a key target to provide both immediate cover and long-term potential.
As the clock ticks down, Chelsea’s pursuit of Conrad Harder could prove to be a defining moment in their season. Will the Blues secure the Danish starlet and stabilize their attack, or will they face the daunting prospect of navigating a grueling campaign with a depleted frontline? The next 48 hours promise to be a whirlwind of activity at Stamford Bridge.