Chelsea have wrapped up a major summer signing — and it’s a familiar name for English fans.
After weeks of negotiations, the Blues have agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund to bring Jamie Gittens back to the Premier League.
A Young Talent Returns to England
At just 20 years old, Gittens is already turning heads with his performances in Germany, and Chelsea have been chasing him since the transfer window opened.
He left Manchester City’s academy to join Dortmund back in 2020, and now, five years later, he’s on his way back home.
Over his time in the Bundesliga, Gittens made 72 league appearances and found the net 12 times — not bad for a young winger still developing his game.
The Deal is Done, But He Can’t Play Just Yet
While Chelsea fans might be eager to see their new man in action right away, there’s a catch.
Because Gittens has already featured for Dortmund in the Club World Cup, he’s ineligible to play for Chelsea in that same tournament — including if they make it past Benfica in their last-16 clash.
Still, the club is clearly playing the long game here.
Gittens is expected to sign a seven-year contract, which was already agreed earlier this month.
His medical is scheduled for this weekend, after which the move will be finalized.
Dortmund Rejected the First Offer
This deal didn’t come easy. Chelsea’s initial £42 million bid was turned down by Dortmund, who weren’t ready to let Gittens go for cheap.
But after further negotiations, the two clubs found common ground — although the final fee still hasn’t been made public.
From Reading to Dortmund and Back Again
Gittens’ journey is a reminder of how varied young football careers can be.
He started out in Reading’s youth setup, spent time at Manchester City, and then made a bold move to Germany to join Dortmund — a club known for developing young talent.
Now, he’s heading back to England with valuable experience under his belt and a chance to make his mark in the Premier League.
International Recognition, But Missed the Euros
Gittens has represented England at five youth levels, building an impressive international résumé.
However, fans may have noticed his absence at the recent U21 European Championship — that’s because he was already tied up with Dortmund’s Club World Cup fixtures.
Chelsea Still Eyeing More Signings
Gittens might be the latest to join, but Chelsea’s not done yet.
The club also made a move for Brighton’s Joao Pedro, submitting a £50 million bid that was turned down.
In fact, both Chelsea and Newcastle were reportedly after the 23-year-old forward, but Brighton are holding out for £60 million.
Liam Delap Also Joins the Blue Revolution
Earlier this summer, Chelsea confirmed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30 million, showing that the club is heavily investing in young, hungry talent.
Under Enzo Maresca, this new generation could form the backbone of Chelsea’s future.