Turkish giants Fenerbahce have moved to shut down speculation linking them with a move for Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens, describing the reports as baseless and accusing unnamed parties of trying to manipulate the club through fabricated transfer talk.
The rumours had gathered pace after Gittens endured a tough opening campaign in west London following his £55 million move from Borussia Dortmund last year. The England youth international managed only 27 appearances and a single goal in his debut season as Chelsea, with persistent hamstring issues disrupting his progress and fuelling talk of a possible departure this summer.
With Fenerbahce known to be in the market for a new winger ahead of the new Super Lig campaign, many assumed the Istanbul club could be eyeing a swoop for the 21-year-old. However, the Turkish side wasted no time in rejecting the claims through an official statement published on their website.
"Reports circulating in some media outlets today regarding our club's interest in Chelsea FC player Jamie Gittens are completely unfounded and do not reflect the truth," the statement read. Fenerbahce went further, warning against what they called attempts to use their name for outside agendas: "We once again clearly state that attempts to manipulate Fenerbahçe Sports Club through false transfer claims and artificially created agendas will have no effect."
The club emphasised that their recruitment strategy is determined internally, stating that "Fenerbahçe conducts its sporting structure, transfer policy, and future planning in all branches, especially football, in accordance with its own strategy, needs, and established programs." They added a direct appeal for such speculation to stop, saying they "expect this approach of using our club's name to create public opinion and steer Fenerbahçe towards certain directions to cease," while urging supporters to disregard the rumours entirely. The statement also noted that the club's full focus is on Saturday's Super Lig opener against Gençlerbirliği.
Meanwhile, back in England, Gittens appears to be enjoying something of a resurgence under new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso. After a campaign blighted by fitness setbacks, the winger has looked sharp throughout pre-season, netting in behind-closed-doors friendlies before also scoring against Western Sydney Wanderers. He also played a part in Chelsea's recent friendly win over Real Sociedad.
Reflecting on his improved form and health, Gittens sounded optimistic about putting his injury troubles behind him. "I'm feeling better now," he told Chelsea's official website. "My injuries are healing up now, so I feel really good. I feel in a good space with the team and in my body as well."
He also spoke candidly about the frustration of his first year at Stamford Bridge, crediting his faith for helping him push through the difficult period. "It has been frustrating, but with God's grace I got through it, and he pulled me up today, so it's just great to score a goal. To be back on the pitch with the team was really good," he said.
With Fenerbahce publicly distancing themselves from any interest and Gittens showing signs of returning to top form, the winger's immediate future appears to lie with Chelsea as the new Premier League season approaches. Alonso will be hopeful that the player's improved fitness and confidence translate into a more prolific campaign after a stop-start introduction to English football last term.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (standard-football).