Chelsea Football Club has successfully reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for the acquisition of winger Jamie Gittens.
Negotiations advanced while both teams were in the United States, participating in the Club World Cup tournament.
Despite initial interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, a deal has now been confirmed, paving the way for the 20-year-old to transfer to Stamford Bridge.
Gittens is scheduled to undergo his medical examination tonight in the US. Following the successful completion, he is expected to sign a long-term contract with Chelsea, potentially lasting seven years until 2032.
The transfer fee is reported to be an initial £50 million, with an additional £5 million contingent on various performance-related add-ons, bringing the total value to £55.5 million.
Dortmund had previously turned down a £42 million offer from Chelsea earlier this month, as the clubs could not finalize terms before the initial transfer window closure on June 10.
This breakthrough agreement addresses Chelsea`s stated aim to reinforce their options in wide attacking positions, particularly after deciding not to make Jadon Sancho`s loan from Manchester United permanent.
In the previous season, Gittens made 48 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund, contributing 12 goals and providing five assists.
The England Under-21 international, a former product of the Reading youth system, has recently contended with illness, limiting his playing time during Dortmund`s recent activities in the USA this month.
Chelsea has been active in the transfer market under the current ownership, having already invested approximately £1.4 billion to build the current squad. However, the club`s transfer hierarchy reportedly held a strong desire to bring the talented former youth player back to the club.
In October of the previous year, Gittens, at the age of 20 years and 75 days, achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Gittens joins a group of English talents, including his brief former Dortmund teammate Jobe Bellingham and Chelsea`s Liam Delap, who were not part of the England Under-21 squad competing at the Euros this month.
Despite several notable absentees, the young Three Lions side has reached the Euros final once more, where they aim to defend their title against Germany on Saturday evening.
Gittens was a key member of the England squad that triumphed at the UEFA Under-19 European Championship in 2022.
Upon his return to English football, he will face competition for a starting spot under head coach Enzo Maresca, vying for time on the flanks with players such as Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke.
Former England U19 head coach Ian Foster offered high praise for Gittens: “He was a quiet boy but a joy to work with, really humble, open-minded and always up for the challenge.”
Foster added: “Jamie is a player that would never get disheartened if he wasn`t getting success.”
“He`s going to be up against some of the world`s best full-backs in the Premier League next season and if he`s having a tough time, he won`t go missing.”
“In fact, it will have the reverse effect, it will actually excite him.”
