Levi Rothermund
Chelsea’s hopes of signing Borussia Dortmund’s electric winger Jamie Gittens have taken a significant hit—just days before the Club World Cup begins.
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Chelsea
Paris Saint GermainLate Bid Falls Short
With the first phase of the summer transfer window slamming shut at 7pm on Tuesday, the Blues made a bold €50 million (£42m) approach to land the 19-year-old talent. But Dortmund remained firm, demanding at least €65 million (£55m) to part ways with the England youth international.
Enzo Maresca had earmarked Gittens as a key addition ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, hoping to integrate the winger before their tournament opener. That plan has now crumbled—at least for the immediate term.
No Club World Cup Debut for Gittens
Under FIFA’s tournament regulations, clubs are allowed to register new players after the competition begins. However, there’s a critical caveat: a player cannot feature for two different clubs in the same competition.
With Borussia Dortmund officially naming Gittens in their travelling squad, Chelsea’s hands are tied. Even if they match the Bundesliga side’s asking price when the transfer window reopens on June 16, the player would be ineligible to don the blue shirt for this tournament.
Player Frustration Surfaces
Jamie Gittens’ own feelings about the failed move are no secret. In a now-viral clip filmed by local journalist Kevin Pinnow, the winger was seen speeding away from Dortmund’s training ground, visibly frustrated by the situation.
Though still expected to make a summer switch, Gittens’ role at Dortmund for the Club World Cup appears marginal at best. Given his unsettled status, it’s unlikely he’ll see major minutes in Group F matches against Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ulsan HD.
Looking Ahead
For now, Chelsea must look within as they prepare to face Los Angeles FC, Flamengo, and Esperance de Tunis in their own group. Their interest in Gittens, however, is far from over. Expect negotiations to reignite when the transfer window reopens.
The saga continues—but for the Club World Cup, Jamie Gittens will not be a Blue.