Has Jamie Gittens ‘Checked Out’ of Borussia Dortmund? | OneFootball

If Jamie Gittens’ start against Wolfsburg came as a surprise to you, you’re not alone. The 20-year-old winger’s talent is undeniable, but under new trainer Niko Kovač, Gittens has reverted to a substitute role with limited gametime. Yet Kovač has started Gittens in two important matches in a row, and the player has offered very little besides a late goal against Freiburg. Now, watching the player in this season’s conclusion, it’s becoming painfully obvious that Gittens doesn’t want to be here any longer.

According to the local news source, RN BVB, Gittens has even been heard in the locker room commenting on his future:

This exemplifies the attitude shift we’ve seen in Gittens this season. Under Nuri Sahin, Gittens was one of the few players who shone, with his exquisite cuts into the box. Still, as tactics have changed, and his signature move has become predictable, Gittens' resilience has collapsed. Against Wolfsburg, his effort looked minimal, and his movement was lethargic - the signs of a player who doesn’t really care anymore.

I believe the decision to start Gittens is Dortmund’s attempt to raise his transfer value with a couple of good performances, but I’m afraid this plan may backfire. If Jamie performs like this in our last two matches, then his value may very well decrease, and his attitude will certainly reflect poorly on him as a player.

Right now, every match should be treated like a final. So many Borussia Dortmund players are ready to go out there and give it their all, knowing the European Qualification is on the line. Julian Brandt is likely heading for an exit, but he’s still out there giving it his all. If Jamie Gittens can’t do the same, then he needs to stay on the bench and wait for the offers to come in. But if he expects that Chelsea or Arsenal will sign him as a starting winger, then it’s simply naïve.

While Chelsea have been most closely linked with Gittens, it seems Arsenal are now very interested as well. We can’t say precisely how this saga will conclude, but it’s all but certain Jamie Gittens will leave.