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The Journey of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens: An English Talent in Dortmund

This week, as the Champions League kicks off, only five English players will be representing non-British clubs. Among them are the established England senior internationals: Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Fikayo Tomori, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The fifth player is a young talent, who recently turned 19, and has already made his mark in the competition for his current club. This player is Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

A Life-changing Decision

In 2020, when the world was gripped by Covid-19 and football came to a halt, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens faced a crucial decision at the age of 16. As a highly-rated prospect in Manchester City’s academy, he knew that his path to the first team would likely be blocked. Inspired by the success of players like Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho, who had left for Borussia Dortmund at a young age, Bynoe-Gittens decided to make the same move.

Leaving behind his familiar surroundings, teammates, and coaches, Bynoe-Gittens embarked on a journey to a new country where he had never lived before. The language barrier was an additional challenge, as he had to quickly learn German to communicate and navigate daily life.

Dedication to Learning

Bynoe-Gittens, who admits to being a shy person, dedicated himself to learning German. He took two-hour lessons every weekday, determined to overcome the language barrier. Gradually, he became more fluent and even learned football-related phrases. In fact, he is eager to teach English teammate Harry Kane some German phrases if he is interested.

Destination Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund emerged as an attractive destination for Bynoe-Gittens due to the presence of familiar faces – Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham. Both players had made successful transitions to the first team after joining Dortmund from English clubs. Although Bynoe-Gittens initially started with the Under-19s, his talent and dedication caught the eye of the coaches, and he made his Bundesliga debut in April 2022.

Bynoe-Gittens acknowledges the impact of his English teammates, who took him under their wing and made him feel at home in Dortmund. They would spend time together outside of football, bonding as friends and teammates. However, with Sancho and Bellingham’s departures, Bynoe-Gittens has found new companions in the likes of Gio Reyna and Donny Malen, who have welcomed him into their circle.

The Influence of Bellingham

Jude Bellingham, being close to Bynoe-Gittens, has had a significant influence on his friend’s development. Bynoe-Gittens admires Bellingham’s professionalism, preparation for games, and his kind nature. He has even taken tips from Bellingham for gym work and overall preparation. Now, Bynoe-Gittens aims to carve out his own path and make his mark in the competitive Dortmund squad.

Forging His Own Path

Recently, Bynoe-Gittens made his England U21 debut, providing an assist during the game. He faces tough competition for a place in the Dortmund team, but he remains determined to build upon his two Champions League appearances last season. With aspirations of playing against English clubs like Newcastle United, he aims to prove that his decision to move to Dortmund was the right one. Every opportunity to showcase his talent fuels his desire to excel.

“It’s great to be in this environment,” Bynoe-Gittens expresses. Dortmund is a place where football dominates conversations, whether in pubs or stadiums. Initially unknown, he now feels recognized by the Dortmund faithful.

In conclusion,

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens’ story is one of determination, sacrifice, and adaptation. Leaving behind his comfort zone in pursuit of his dreams, he has shown immense character and dedication. From overcoming language barriers to forging new relationships, Bynoe-Gittens has embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with being a young English talent in Dortmund. As he continues to make strides on the pitch, he hopes to inspire others and pave the way for more English players to explore their potential abroad.