Borussia Dortmund’s electrifying winger Jamie Gittens is departing for Chelsea in a £52 million transfer, a move nearing finalization during the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, BVB confirmed on Wednesday. The 20-year-old Englishman’s exit posts a fresh challenge for Niko Kovač’s squad as they prepare for a critical quarter-final against Real Madrid on July 5.
Gittens, who arrived at Dortmund from Manchester City’s youth academy in 2020, experienced a true breakout season under the brief tenure of Nuri Sahin. Explosive pace and a significantly improved final third efficiency wreaked havoc on both the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League. Often bailing BVB out of what would otherwise have been dropped points on multiple occasions.
During Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over C.F. Monterrey on Tuesday, Gittens’ absence from the lineup alluded to the progression of this transfer lifecycle. Medical examinations, conducted in Fort Lauderdale, have paved the way for his imminent unveiling at Chelsea.
Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, addressed the transfer, stating, “Negotiations with Chelsea were complex, but this deal aligns with our financial objectives.” The £52 million fee, potentially rising to £55 million with performance-based add-ons, provides Dortmund with resources to reshape their squad. However, the extent of this transfer profit that is due to be made available to new additions remains to be seen.
For Dortmund, Gittens’ departure presents the urgency of his replacement on the left flank, but also creates a sudden lack of depth on the wing. While Niko Kovač seems set to utilize a system that doesn’t necessarily prioritize width on the forward line, Gittens’ departure also removes the most effective vertical ball progressing and dribbling threat on the roster.
Kovač now leans on players like Karim Adeyemi to fill the void as Dortmund face Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid in New York. The financial influx offers flexibility, but the loss of Gittens’ mercurial spark may be felt with added weight if Kovač tries to transition to more traditional roles for his wingers in the upcoming season.