Cole Palmer’s Push Brings Jamie Gittens Back to Chelsea

Jamie Gittens has officially joined Chelsea in a high-profile move from Borussia Dortmund, but behind the scenes, it was Cole Palmer who played a major role in convincing him. Their long-standing friendship and constant messages from Palmer helped push Gittens to choose Chelsea as his next destinatio

However, this transfer was more than just business. Behind it stood two players who kept pushing him—Cole Palmer and Liam Delap. Their influence, friendship, and persistence made all the difference.

Palmer and Delap Were Always in His Inbox

Gittens didn’t hesitate when asked about the players who encouraged him the most. Without thinking twice, he said it was Palmer and Delap.

“They kept texting me,” Gittens admitted. “Every other day, asking when I’d come back to England.”

Both of them were his teammates during England’s U16 and U18 campaigns. They weren’t just close friends—they were like brothers. Their words gave Gittens comfort and motivation.

Moreover, Levi Colwill also played a part. Although they never played together on the same team, Gittens faced Colwill several times during academy matches.

“I always ran into Levi in tournaments,” he said. “Seeing familiar faces helped me feel at home again.”

Four Years That Changed Everything

Gittens left England while still a teenager. He went to Dortmund with big dreams and raw talent. Over the years, he transformed—not just as a player, but as a man.

“I was living alone in Manchester at 14,” he recalled. “Then I moved abroad, which was another big challenge.”

He learned to survive in a foreign country. From adapting to the language, to learning how to cook, and managing life without family—it wasn’t easy.

Still, those lessons made him stronger. They shaped his character. And most of all, they prepared him for the Premier League.

“I left as a boy and came back as a man,” Gittens said proudly.

COVID, Injuries, and Mental Growth

Life in Germany wasn’t smooth. He moved right as the world went into lockdown. COVID-19 forced him into isolation at Dortmund’s youth dorm.

He couldn’t train properly. He couldn’t play matches. Worst of all, he got injured.

That injury kept him off the pitch for almost two years. For a young talent, that’s a huge setback. But Gittens chose to be patient.

“It was really hard,” he explained. “But I stayed focused and worked in silence.”

Each day became a test of his commitment. While others were playing, he was watching. While others celebrated, he was healing.

Eventually, that long journey taught him something deeper—how to persevere.

Coming Home Was Always the Plan

Even while abroad, Gittens never lost his desire to return home. Playing in the Premier League remained his dream. And when Chelsea came knocking, everything fell into place.

The encouragement from Palmer and Delap only made the decision easier. Their words weren’t empty. They showed genuine excitement about reuniting.

“Cole and Liam kept saying how good the project here is,” he revealed.

Chelsea is a massive club. But for Gittens, it felt even more special because of the players waiting for him.

Starting a New Chapter with Big Goals

Now back in England, Gittens is ready to make a difference. He knows expectations are high. But he welcomes the challenge.

“I’m not here just to be part of the squad,” he said. “I want to help the team win.”

The winger brings pace, dribbling, and sharp instincts to Chelsea’s attack. But more importantly, he brings experience few 20-year-olds have.

He has been through emotional highs and lows. He’s seen football’s beautiful and painful sides. That maturity makes him unique.

And in this new chapter, Gittens has set clear goals. He wants to fight for trophies. He wants to grow. And most of all, he wants to enjoy football again.