“Even if my future at Stamford Bridge seem uncertain, The player that they want to sign is also a top player” – This is according to Jadon Sancho as he believes Chelsea are on the verge of landing a high-quality player following their decision to turn down the chance to sign him.

After departing Stamford Bridge this summer, Jadon Sancho has already shown admiration for the player expected to succeed him at Chelsea. Given their past together at Borussia Dortmund, Sancho is quite familiar with Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, having shared the pitch with him during his loan stint in Germany.

Sancho, now 25, spent the previous season on loan at Chelsea but didn’t impress enough to secure a permanent move. Chelsea opted to pay Manchester United £5 million to cancel the purchase option in his deal, allowing them to reallocate funds toward other targets.

It now seems that Chelsea has set its sights on Borussia Dortmund winger Gittens, who is reportedly close to sealing a move back to Cobham. While manager Niko Kovac claimed Gittens missed Dortmund’s Club World Cup clash with Ulsan due to illness, speculation suggests his absence was transfer-related. According to The Sun, Chelsea are nearing an agreement worth £55.5 million for the young winger.

Sancho, who enjoyed success at Dortmund before briefly returning on loan last season, developed a close relationship with Gittens. During the latter’s breakthrough last winter, Sancho offered encouragement, messaging him: “Keep it up. It’s your time to show everyone what you can do.” Gittens described Sancho as both a “top player” and a “top friend.”

Sancho also publicly praised Gittens last season after a Champions League brace against Club Brugge, calling him a “balla” on Instagram in recognition of his performance.

With Mykhailo Mudryk facing a possible four-year ban due to a failed drug test and Sancho’s exit confirmed, Chelsea’s need for wide players has intensified. Manager Enzo Maresca has already stated his intention to sign a new winger. Although Estevao is set to arrive from Palmeiras, the teenager will need time to adjust to Premier League football.

Gittens, who had a brief training stint with Chelsea’s academy in his youth, made his Champions League debut in a 1-0 win over Chelsea back in February 2023. Now 20, he concluded the 2023/24 campaign with 12 goals in 49 appearances — both personal bests — making him a standout candidate for Chelsea’s summer recruitment.

Reflecting on his time with Sancho, Gittens told German outlet WAZ in July 2024: “I’ve learned a lot from Jadon — things like playing with fewer touches, making deeper runs, and enjoying the game. He’s a good friend.”

Currently representing Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, Gittens could be on the move soon. Based on his development and Sancho’s continued support, Chelsea sees him as a valuable addition for the future — and possibly the ideal replacement for Sancho himself.