Why Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jamie Gittens is now going by a different name

Borussia Dortmund starlet Jamie Gittens is now going by another name this season and here's why.

Gittens joined Manchester City's youth academy in 2018 before linking up with Dortmund, where he graduated to the first-team squad.

He made his debut in the 2021/22 season and his since enhanced his reputation following his stellar showings in the Bundesliga.

And he made a huge impression in last night's Champions League fixture against Club Brugge, scoring two goals in a big 3-0 victory.

Last season, however, he had Bynoe-Gittens on the back of his shirt.

But the 20-year-old is now going by just Gittens this season and he's explained why.

He revealed that both names are his father's and he was advised to be referred to as just Gittens because it's shorter.

"Both are my father's names, but he said he thinks it's better if I'm just called Gittens because it's shorter. Most people know him as Gittens, so in the future, I'll only wear Gittens," he said.

Gittens is on track to become Dortmund's next big English star following the success of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham.

The England youth international finds himself in the form of his life, having shone against Brugge last night.

He came off the bench to open the scoring before adding a second four minutes from time.

This season, he has scored four goals in five matches.

Jamie Gittens celebrates scoring against Club Brugge. Image: Getty

Joe Cole, who also played abroad during his career, hailed Gittens and offered an insight into young English players' development at Dortmund.

"Talking to people out in Germany, they want to take the best young players in England, take them out, there's a pathway," he said.

"Imagine the best 16-year-old in the country now, he's thinking: 'Should I sign for Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City? Borussia Dortmund is on the table - well, that's interesting'.

"He'll think (Jadon) Sancho, think Bellingham, (Bynoe-)Gittens, it's a pathway they offer. What we think Celtic should do and what Brugge are trying to do, Borussia Dortmund are already on that next level. They're managing to do that and also compete, which is incredible. That's off the back of doing it for so long."