Chelsea’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens is heating up as the Premier League club saw their initial €35 million bid rejected by the Bundesliga giants. With the clock ticking ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup deadline, the west London club is expected to return with a fresh offer soon. The 20-year-old England U21 international has a verbal agreement in place and is eager to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Eager to Land Gittens Before Club World Cup
According to Sky in Germany, Chelsea’s €35 million (£29.5 million) proposal for Jamie Gittens has been turned down, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly demanding a figure between €50–60 million (£42–50 million) for the promising forward. The Blues are keen to wrap up the deal before Tuesday to ensure Gittens can feature in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
The urgency behind Chelsea’s push for the Jamie Gittens transfer news comes after they opted against activating the buy option on Jadon Sancho, who spent last season on loan at the club. Now, with winger reinforcements needed, Gittens has emerged as a priority target among a shortlist of eight to nine attacking players Chelsea are evaluating this summer.
Jamie Gittens Wants Chelsea Move Amid Dortmund’s Stiff Stance
Despite Borussia Dortmund’s reluctance to let go of their rising star cheaply, Jamie Gittens is keen on completing the move. The winger, who has impressed with his high-tempo dribbling and wide play, sees Chelsea and Enzo Maresca’s tactical setup as an ideal fit.
Gittens has verbally agreed to join Chelsea, further fueling optimism from the Premier League side’s end. Both clubs are set to continue negotiations in the coming days, with Chelsea expected to submit an improved offer. Dortmund, however, remain firm in their valuation, especially given their own participation in the Club World Cup.
Jadon Sancho’s Future Adds Another Layer to the Saga
Interestingly, Borussia Dortmund are monitoring developments around Jadon Sancho, the Manchester United winger who once dazzled in their ranks. After an impressive loan return to Dortmund during the second half of the 2023/24 season, the German club is believed to be open to re-signing him permanently.
While United are expecting offers for Sancho, his wages could force another loan deal. Dortmund is among several clubs in Europe and England interested in the Englishman, adding another twist to the Jamie Gittens transfer news.
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Gittens to Chelsea: A Perfect Fit for Maresca’s Philosophy?
Sky Sports analyst Peter Smith weighed in on the Jamie Gittens transfer news, stating the winger’s flair and intensity could inject much-needed spark into Chelsea’s frontline. Last season under Maresca, Chelsea often lacked creativity in wide areas, and Gittens’ output—particularly in dribbles and crosses—outpaces many current Premier League wingers including Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto.
With Chelsea’s tactical approach often involving wide players operating high up the pitch, Gittens’ profile aligns perfectly. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and either cut inside to shoot or deliver from the flanks will be vital in Maresca’s offensive structure, potentially forming a dangerous trio with Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap.
A Different Path to Stardom for Jamie Gittens
Sky Sports’ Adam Bate highlighted how Gittens’ journey differs from previous English stars like Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho. Gittens was signed by Dortmund at 16 after spending time at Reading and Manchester City but hadn’t broken into the first-team scene like his predecessors. Dortmund’s recruitment policy, however, saw potential in him and invested in his development.
“When we signed him, he was not on Sancho’s level,” said Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken. “But we believed we could develop him into a great player. It was a good cooperation between our scouting department and youth setup.”
Gittens has since blossomed into one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young attackers, with Chelsea now leading the chase in the latest Jamie Gittens transfer news.