Chelsea FC is closing in on a significant summer signing as they move to secure Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. The 20-year-old England Under-21 international has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Blues on a seven-year contract, signaling his eagerness to return to English football and join the West London club. This potential transfer is shaping up to be a key move for Chelsea as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and look to bolster their attacking options.
Gittens, who left Manchester City's youth setup nearly five years ago to join Dortmund, has emerged as one of the standout performers in the Bundesliga during the 2024-25 season. Over the course of 48 appearances, he scored 12 goals and provided five assists, showcasing his development into a dynamic left winger capable of influencing games at the highest level. His breakthrough season also included four goals in the UEFA Champions League, where he made history by becoming the youngest English player to score in the competition at the age of 20 years and 75 days.
Chelsea's interest in Gittens has been well-documented, with the club already completing a £30 million deal for Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, signaling their intent to strengthen the squad. According to multiple sources, including RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins and The Athletic's David Ornstein, Chelsea has submitted a formal bid for Gittens. While Dortmund initially set a release clause at €60 million (£50.5 million), reports suggest that Chelsea's offer stands around €35 million to €40 million, reflecting Dortmund's willingness to negotiate after a dip in Gittens' form during the latter half of the season under head coach Niko Kovac.
The German club views the sale of Gittens as pivotal to their summer rebuild, believing the winger does not fit optimally into Kovac's tactical system. Gittens himself is keen to move, having informed Dortmund of his desire to leave and is understood to be focused solely on a move to Chelsea, turning down interest from other European clubs including Bayern Munich, who had previously expressed interest but never formalized a bid.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's head coach, is eager to add a right-footed left winger before the Club World Cup begins on June 16, 2025. The tournament, featuring a staggering £97 million prize pool for the winner, sees Chelsea competing in Group D alongside Los Angeles FC, Flamengo, and ES Tunis. Maresca expressed his excitement about participating in such a prestigious competition, stating, "Well I'm happy, especially because as you've just said it's a tournament that brings together the top 32 teams in the world. So, it's very exciting to take part in such a huge competition. And you also have the opportunity to face other top coaches and some world class teams." He added, "When you are at Chelsea your goal is always to win. So, our goal – each and every single game – will always be to try to win."
The timing of the transfer is crucial, with Chelsea aiming to finalize the deal before the transfer window closes at 7 pm on June 10, 2025, to ensure Gittens can be registered in time to feature in the Club World Cup. Should the deal be delayed, there remains a possibility for registration during the knockout stages if Chelsea progress.
Gittens' arrival is also seen as a necessary refresh for Chelsea's attacking lineup. The departure of Jadon Sancho, who scored five goals in 41 appearances during his loan spell but declined to take a pay cut for a permanent move, has left a gap on the left flank. Other potential targets like Alejandro Garnacho and Nico Williams were considered, but Gittens has emerged as the club's number one priority due to his blend of youth, experience, and Premier League readiness.
Having spent time in Chelsea's academy before moving to Manchester City and then Dortmund, Gittens' return to Stamford Bridge is viewed as a homecoming. His versatile attacking play, primarily as a left winger but also capable of operating in an attacking midfield role, fits well with Maresca’s vision for a dynamic and youthful squad. Furthermore, Gittens sees this move as a platform to push for a place in the England senior squad under Thomas Tuchel, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Despite his promise, Gittens will miss the upcoming Under-21 European Championship due to his Club World Cup commitments, underscoring the importance Chelsea places on his immediate involvement. His signing would mark the second major addition following Liam Delap, as Chelsea look to build momentum ahead of the new season and continental competitions.
Negotiations between Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund continue, with both clubs seeking a compromise on the transfer fee. Dortmund's initial valuation of €100 million in January has been adjusted downward, with expectations now around €45-50 million due to Gittens' recent form and playing time. Chelsea's bid, while reportedly below the release clause, reflects a strategic offer that could secure the transfer swiftly.
As the transfer window ticks down, Chelsea fans will be watching closely to see if the deal can be completed in time for Gittens to make an immediate impact. The winger's blend of youthful exuberance, technical skill, and Premier League experience could prove vital for Chelsea's ambitions both domestically and internationally. With a long-term contract agreed in principle and personal terms settled, the final hurdle remains the agreement between the two clubs.
The coming days promise to be pivotal for Chelsea’s transfer activity, with the Club World Cup looming and the need to reinforce the squad pressing. Should the deal go through, Jamie Gittens will be a key figure to watch as Chelsea aim to make their mark on the global stage and build a squad capable of challenging for major honours in the seasons ahead.
