Chelsea Eyes Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens
Transfer Talks with Dortmund
Chelsea is actively pursuing a transfer deal for Borussia Dortmund’s young winger Jamie Gittens, aiming to finalize arrangements prior to the upcoming Club World Cup. The club sees Gittens as a vital addition to strengthen their attacking options after previously expressing interest last January. Reports indicate a release clause of around $50 million makes him a prime target.
Performance Highlights
The 20-year-old Gittens, who began his football journey at Chelsea’s academy, had an impressive season at Dortmund, netting 12 goals in 48 appearances. His performance was crucial in propelling the team to the 2024 Champions League final against Real Madrid, and he recently made headlines for becoming the youngest English player to score in the Champions League.
Impact of Jadon Sancho’s Situation
Gittens’s prospective signing is influenced by ongoing uncertainties regarding Jadon Sancho’s status with Chelsea. Sancho’s loan from Manchester United is nearing completion, with Chelsea holding an option to acquire him for $25 million or incur a withdrawal fee of $5 million. Given Sancho’s significant wage demands, estimated at $350,000 per week, his exit could create room for Gittens’s entry.
Pre-Club World Cup Preparation
As Chelsea prepares for the Club World Cup, where they will face competition from clubs like León and Flamengo, discussions around acquiring another talent, Delap from Ipswich Town for about $30 million, are also in progress. Delap is recognized for his outstanding season, with 12 goals, and is expected to enhance Chelsea’s offensive capabilities.
International Commitments for Gittens
Should Gittens join Chelsea ahead of the Club World Cup, his chances of participating in the U21 European Championship may diminish. Despite previous calls to youth national teams, his immediate focus will likely be on his commitments with Chelsea and Dortmund.
Market Dynamics and Future Outlook
As Chelsea zeroes in on Gittens, they are investigating additional options, including players like Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United and Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. A thorough reshuffle seems imminent at the club, with potential departures paving the way for new signings in an expectedly busy summer transfer window.
