AFCON 2025
Chelsea’s aggressive youth-focused recruitment strategy has taken another bold step with the signing of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, making him the latest in a string of Manchester City academy graduates to land at Stamford Bridge in recent years.
The 20-year-old winger, who came through Manchester City’s youth ranks before moving to Dortmund in 2020, completed a big-money transfer to Chelsea this summer.
The deal is reportedly worth around £50–60 million**, including add-ons, and Bynoe-Gittens has signed a seven-year contract with an option for a further year.
Bynoe-Gittens now joins a notable group of former City academy players who have made the switch to Chelsea in recent transfer windows:
Cole Palmer – Perhaps the most successful of the lot so far, Palmer joined Chelsea in 2023 for around £40 million. He enjoyed a stunning breakout season in 2024/25, finishing as the club’s top scorer with over 30 goals and establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe.
Romeo Lavia– Though he made his senior debut for Southampton, Lavia is a Manchester City academy product. Chelsea signed him in 2023 for £58 million, viewing him as a long-term successor in midfield.
Tosin Adarabioyo – The centre-back began his career at City before stints at West Brom and Fulham. Chelsea brought him in as a free agent in 2024, adding Premier League experience and defensive depth.
Liam Delap – The powerful striker and former City youth standout signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2025 for around £30 million after impressive loan spells at Stoke, Hull, and Ipswich. Still only 22, he is seen as a striker for the future.
With Enzo Maresca — himself a former City coach — now managing Chelsea, the appeal for young City players to reunite with a familiar tactical environment has grown significantly.
