Borussia Dortmund confirm Gittens transfer agreement with Chelsea
The 20-year-old winger is expected to join the Premier League side imminently, pending the finalisation of contractual details.
Dortmund made the announcement during their Club World Cup campaign in Fort Lauderdale, where both clubs are currently based.
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Gittens, who joined Dortmund from Manchester City's academy in 2020, has developed into a first-team regular at the Bundesliga club.
He made 107 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund, including 76 in the Bundesliga and 23 in the Champions League, scoring a total of 17 goals.
Reports suggest Chelsea will pay up to £55 million for the England youth international, including performance-based add-ons.
His switch marks the second major attacking arrival at Stamford Bridge this summer, following the £55 million capture of Joao Pedro, from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Although Gittens was included in Dortmund's squad for the Club World Cup, he has not featured since a group-stage draw with Fluminense, where he came off the bench in the 77th minute.
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Dortmund's chief executive Lars Ricken reflected on the player's rise and impact at the club. 'Jamie Gittens' career exemplifies the development of top talents at BVB,' he said. 'We discovered him very early, signed him almost at no cost, and provided him with playing time at the highest professional level.'
He added, 'Jamie has repaid that trust with dedication, performance and goals. His transfer back to his home country would be highly valuable for us. We wish Jamie all the best for his sporting future.'
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl revealed that negotiations with Chelsea were 'challenging,' but ultimately satisfactory for Dortmund's sporting and financial plans.
'Jamie is an excellent player who has brought us great joy,' said Kehl. 'It was his wish to take the next step in his career at Chelsea, and we wish him all the very best and much success.'
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Gittens will not be eligible to feature for Chelsea in the ongoing Club World Cup, having already appeared for Dortmund earlier in the tournament. However, he is expected to be a key figure in Chelsea's plans once the move is completed and registration opens for the domestic campaign.
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