Chelsea are nearing the completion of a £50 million transfer for Borussia Dortmund’s electrifying winger Jamie Gittens, with negotiations advancing rapidly after Dortmund rejected an initial £42 million bid.
The 20-year-old England U21 star, who has agreed a seven-year contract with the Blues, is poised to join Stamford Bridge shortly after the FIFA Club World Cup, where both clubs are currently competing.
The deal, expected to be finalized post-tournament, represents a significant coup for Enzo Maresca’s side, outpacing interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Gittens, who scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 48 appearances for Dortmund last season, including four Champions League strikes, brings dynamism to Chelsea’s left flank.
His 92 dribbles and pace make him a perfect fit for Maresca’s high-and-wide attacking system, showcased in Chelsea’s 3-0 Club World Cup win over Esperance Tunis.
Dortmund’s earlier rejections of £29.5 million and £42 million offers reflected their £50-60 million valuation, but talks in the United States during the tournament have secured a £50 million fee, including add-ons, satisfying both parties.
The transfer addresses Chelsea’s need for a right-footed winger, especially with Mykhailo Mudryk suspended for a doping violation and Jadon Sancho’s loan from Manchester United unlikely to become permanent.
Gittens, who briefly trained at Chelsea’s academy before joining Manchester City’s youth setup, is driven by a desire to return and shine under Maresca, with an eye on England’s 2026 World Cup squad. However, FIFA rules prevent him from playing in Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, having featured in Dortmund’s goalless draw against Fluminense.
Chelsea fans are thrilled, with one supporter posting, “Gittens for £50m? Maresca’s cooking something special!” Others highlight the club’s persistence after multiple rejected bids, though some Dortmund fans question Gittens’ reduced role under Niko Kovac’s 3-5-2 system.
The signing, part of Chelsea’s busy summer alongside Liam Delap’s £30 million arrival and talks for Victor Osimhen (£84.5m), underscores their ambition. With Enzo Fernandez sidelined by a head injury and Nicolas Jackson suspended for tonight’s Benfica clash, Gittens’ imminent arrival boosts Chelsea’s attacking depth, but the Blues must wait until after the tournament to unveil their new star for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
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