Jamie Gittens: Borussia Dortmund chief comments on failed transfer to Chelsea

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has revealed why Jamie Gittens did not complete a move to Chelsea ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

After completing a £30m deal for striker Liam Delap, Chelsea were pushing hard to bolster their squad with a new goalkeeper and winger before the 7.00pm transfer deadline on Tuesday.

However a move for AC Milan shot-stopper Mike Maignan fell through before the Blues swiftly turned their attention to signing winger Gittens from Dortmund.

Chelsea allegedly failed with two offers to sign the 20-year-old, including their second worth around €50m (£42m), as Dortmund were demanding a fee in excess of €65m (£55m).

Kehl has since confirmed that a move for Gittens to Stamford Bridge failed to materialise because of a difference in opinion between both clubs on the player's valuation.

Kehl explains failed Gittens exit despite “very respectful” Chelsea talks

"In the end, we didn’t come to an agreement on Jamie because we have different ideas about the player’s current value," Kehl told reporters as quoted by Sky Sports News.

"But the talks were very, very respectful. We have been in very good dialogue with Chelsea for many years.

"And yet we have a different point of view and are happy that Jamie will now be part of our team at the Club World Cup and are delighted that he is staying.

"I’m not responsible for the late offer, but of course I still have to deal with it and that’s what we’ve done. Let’s see how things develop in the future."

What does the future hold for Gittens?

Gittens has since been named in Dortmund’s squad for the Club World Cup and it is thought that Chelsea will look to revive their interest in the England Under-21 international after the tournament in the United States - the transfer window re-opens on June 16.

It remains to be seen whether Gittens will play a major role in Niko Kovac’s side; the winger was reduced to only three starts in Dortmund's final 12 Bundesliga games of the 2024-25 season following a dip in form.

Nevertheless, Gittens enjoyed a productive campaign in the senior side, scoring 12 goals and registering five assists in 48 games across all competitions.

Prior to joining Dortmund in 2020, Gittens spent time in the academies of Reading, Chelsea and Manchester City and he is now believed to be keen to return to England.

Should Dortmund decide to sell Gittens, Man City will be due 10% of the fee after inserting a sell-on clause in the winger's deal when he left the Etihad Stadium five years ago.

Written by
Oliver Thomas