Jamie Gittens Chelsea debut timeline revealed after failed transfer as FIFA rules explained

Chelsea missed the opportunity to bring Jamie Gittens in for the FIFA Club World Cup after failing to agree on a deal with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

The Blues were locked in talks with the Black and Yellow over recent days as they tried to strike a deal for the 20-year-old winger to move to Stamford Bridge before the Club World Cup begins at the weekend. However, Chelsea were eventually priced out of a deal, with the German club demanding £50million for the Englishman’s services, with the Blues’ £42million offer turned down.

football.london understands, though, Chelsea are expected to revisit a move for Gittens – with the left wing a position they view as a priority – when the transfer window reopens on June 16. If they are to sign him before the Club World Cup ends, it is unlikely Gittens will be able to feature for Chelsea in the revamped competition in the United States.

Dortmund have named Gittens in their squad and FIFA rules state that any player on the list by a club is then cup-tied for the remainder of the tournament. This is regardless of whether he makes an appearance for the Germans or not in America.

So, if Gittens is to sign, then he will have to wait a bit of time before he can make his debut under Enzo Maresca. Due to an unfamiliar summer, in terms of the Club World Cup taking up a large portion of it, the Blues will not do a pre-season tour. They are, though, expected to play at least a couple of domestic friendlies before the season gets underway in August.

Gittens could well make his debut in one of them should he sign from Dortmund. The Blues view the left wing position as a priority and Gittens is their main target. There are alternatives; not least Alejandro Garnacho, who is still on the club’s radar after they strongly considered making a move during the January transfer window.

Elsewhere, Chelsea remain interested in signing Hugo Ekitike this summer, although the Blues are reluctant to meet Eintracht Frankfurt’s £84million asking price for the striker. A deal for Mike Maignan could be revived despite negotiations between Chelsea and AC Milan breaking down on Tuesday.

Chelsea proposed a fee less than £13million to Milan, who quickly countered it with a £21million asking price. The Blues believe they would be overpaying for Maignan, with the 29-year-old having just over 12 months remaining on his contract at the San Siro.