Around 11 years ago, a young Jamie Gittens was approached by Chelsea and he had a very big decision to make.
Representing both Reading and Chelsea as a youngster, Gittens was forced to choose between his hometown club and the Blues. He went with the former.
Back in 2024, an X account by the name of The Secret Scout interviewed Gittens about his academy days. Here is what the winger had to say: "I’m from Reading and started when I was about four.
"I was playing for a little local team called Cavs and Trents from the age of five to seven. My dad used to play cricket so I was caught between football and cricket.
"I played a little but obviously football turned out better. I then went to Reading, and was also at Chelsea too for a bit. I got to U9s level where I had to pick between Reading and Chelsea. I picked Reading and stayed there until U14s."
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It is funny - and ultimately, bizarre - how football pans out. If we fast forward over a decade and Chelsea are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over the signing of the England Under-21 international. The Blues saw a £42million offer turned down by the Black and Yellow earlier in the month, with the Bundesliga club holding out for something nearer the £50million-mark.
Chelsea, though, remain seriously interested in Gittens, who they view as their priority left wing target following the departure of Jadon Sancho. football.london understands that the west London club are set to launch a fresh offer to Dortmund as they look to persuade the German outfit to sell this summer - with sources suggesting they are for the right price.
Gittens has told Dortmund of his desire to move to Stamford Bridge and begin a new chapter in his short career to date. Chelsea and the winger have already agreed personal terms, with the fee the only stumbling block at the moment.
An almost full circle moment for Gittens, who turned down the opportunity to play at Chelsea all those years ago. Ultimately, though, it is something nobody can hold against him given the fantastic position he finds himself in at the moment.