Jamie Gittens Stats

With Chelsea finalizing a deal for Liam Delap to bolster their attacking options, the club is also considering a move for Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens, according to recent reports. Fresh from their Europa Conference League victory against Real Betis, Chelsea aims to strengthen their forward line with promising young players.

Gittens capitalized on Dortmund's inability to secure Jadon Sancho's permanent return from Manchester United last summer. He featured in just 14 league starts during the 2023/24 season but built on that with 21 starts overall. However, under new manager Niko Kovac, who took charge in January, Gittens found it challenging to secure a consistent starting role.

This was not due to Gittens' performance but rather Kovac's tactical shift to a three-man defense, which left little space for a dedicated winger. With Kovac prioritizing two supporting players alongside Serhou Guirassy, a strategy that helped Dortmund achieve a top-four finish, the likelihood of Gittens departing has increased.

Without a clear need for a pure winger, Dortmund could benefit from selling Gittens, a valuable asset, to fund squad improvements and align with Kovac's style. Other clubs should note his potential availability, and Chelsea's interest in the English winger is logical.

Jadon Sancho occupied the left wing at Chelsea last season, but manager Enzo Maresca rotated through six players in that position in the Premier League. With uncertainty around Sancho's future—due to a £25m buy obligation—the team needs more depth on the flanks to secure the ideal left winger.

Gittens stands out for his direct style and ball-carrying ability, which aligns with Maresca's emphasis on wingers creating opportunities. Among players with at least 15 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, Gittens led with 3.9 dribbles per 90 minutes.

Despite limited playing time, Gittens demonstrated strong finishing, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 1786 minutes, achieving a goal involvement every 162.4 minutes. He showed his effectiveness early in the season with regular minutes and could solidify a starting spot at Chelsea if the transfer materializes.

Moreover, Gittens is notably confident in shooting, averaging 2.6 shots per 90 in the Bundesliga. His xG overperformance of 3.01 was the eighth highest in the league, highlighting his willingness to take risks and surprise goalkeepers.

In comparison, Chelsea's top xG overperforming winger last season, Jadon Sancho, managed only 0.38. Maresca's system demands wingers to shoot more frequently, making Gittens a fitting target.

With Chelsea open to offers for Noni Madueke, there would be reduced competition for a starting role, giving Gittens a clear path to establish himself.

While some may mock Chelsea's accumulation of wingers, pursuing Gittens is a strategic move. He could be the key left winger to help build on last season's top-four finish and Europa Conference League success.