By Emeka Blast 
Chelsea Nears Landmark Signing: €60m Star Agrees Seven-Year Contract
Chelsea Football Club have finalized a €60 million (£50.4m) transfer for Borussia Dortmund’s 20-year-old winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, securing the England youth international on a seven-year contract until June 2032, according to sources close to the deal. The signing, confirmed on Monday, marks manager Enzo Maresca’s most significant acquisition in the summer transfer window, bolstering Chelsea’s attacking options as they compete in the FIFA Club World Cup and prepare for a demanding 2025-26 season.
The deal, initially reported by German outlet BILD as €65m but finalized at €60m, includes performance-based add-ons tied to appearances and team achievements, such as Champions League success. Gittens, who completed his medical in London on Saturday, June 28, will join Chelsea after Dortmund’s Club World Cup campaign concludes, with the German side facing Al Hilal in the round of 16 tonight. The transfer follows Chelsea’s £30m signing of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, reflecting the club’s focus on young, dynamic talents under Maresca’s vision.
Gittens, a London-born star who rose through Dortmund’s ranks after leaving Manchester City’s academy in 2020, contributed 12 goals and five assists in 49 appearances last season, including four Champions League goals. His versatility across both wings and explosive style drew comparisons to former Chelsea target Jadon Sancho, who left the club earlier this summer. Maresca, speaking after Chelsea’s 2-1 Club World Cup win over Benfica on Saturday, hinted at the signing, saying, “We’re building something special, and new faces will add to our momentum.”
The transfer overcame hurdles, including Dortmund’s initial reluctance and Gittens’ limited starts under new manager Niko Kovac. Chelsea’s persistence, led by sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, secured the deal ahead of interest from Liverpool and Arsenal. The Blues are also set to welcome Palmeiras’ Estevao Willian post-tournament, with further interest in Brighton’s Joao Pedro (£60m) and a centre-back to replace the outgoing Benoit Badiashile.
Chelsea’s financial flexibility, boosted by potential Club World Cup earnings of £40m to £97m, has eased concerns over Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club’s strong group-stage performance, finishing second in Group D with wins over Los Angeles FC and ES Tunis, has fueled optimism among fans, with X posts hailing Gittens as “the final piece” for Maresca’s attacking puzzle.
As Chelsea prepare for a potential Club World Cup quarter-final, Maresca’s squad overhaul signals ambition to compete for Premier League and European honors. Gittens’ arrival, described by Sky Sports as a “statement of intent,” positions Chelsea to capitalize on their youthful core, with the winger expected to debut in their Premier League opener against Tottenham on August 10, 2025.
