Jobe Bellingham is on the brink of replicating his brother Jude’s iconic journey to Borussia Dortmund, with Sunderland accepting a historic offer from the Bundesliga giants. The 19-year-old midfielder, fresh from helping Sunderland earn a long-awaited return to Premier League football, is undergoing a medical in Germany ahead of finalising the landmark switch. Once complete, the transfer will shatter records for both clubs involved, signalling the next chapter in Bellingham’s rapidly ascending career.
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Following the Family Legacy
The Bellingham name holds significant weight at Borussia Dortmund. Jude Bellingham, Jobe’s elder sibling, spent three transformative seasons with the German club before his blockbuster move to Real Madrid. Now, Jobe is preparing to tread that familiar path, having impressed scouts and coaches alike with his commanding performances at Sunderland.
Jobe’s footballing journey began at Birmingham City’s renowned academy, mirroring Jude’s early steps. After breaking into Birmingham’s senior squad at just 16, he spent two seasons developing his craft before making the switch to Sunderland in the summer of 2023. Over the course of 90 appearances, the talented midfielder quickly matured, becoming a pivotal figure in Sunderland’s triumphant return to the Premier League.
Breaking Sunderland’s Transfer Records
Sunderland’s agreement with Borussia Dortmund is worth an initial £27.8 million (€33 million), marking the largest sale in the Wearside club’s history. The agreement comfortably surpasses their previous record—Jordan Pickford’s £30 million transfer to Everton in 2017—once achievable add-ons come into play.
The deal includes an additional £4.2 million (€5 million) in potential bonuses, with around half deemed easily attainable, while the remainder is performance-dependent. Should those add-ons be fulfilled, the transfer value could climb to £32 million, establishing an unprecedented outbound figure for Sunderland.
Crucially, the terms also include a 15% sell-on clause, ensuring Sunderland benefit further should Bellingham’s future market value grow as expected.
Dortmund’s Ambition and Convincing Jobe
While Borussia Dortmund faced competition from fellow Bundesliga sides Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig, they succeeded in persuading Bellingham to join their ambitious project. The lure of following Jude’s remarkable success in yellow and black, alongside the promise of Champions League football and elite-level development, ultimately swayed the younger Bellingham.
If the deal progresses to its full potential, Bellingham may become Dortmund’s most expensive signing, surpassing the fee paid for Ousmane Dembélé in 2016. Excluding bonuses, he is already poised to become their second-priciest acquisition, underscoring how highly the German outfit rate his potential.
Praise from Sunderland Boss Régis Le Bris
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has made no secret of his admiration for Bellingham’s abilities and character. Speaking to French radio station RMC recently, Le Bris said: “The player is incredibly interesting. He’s still very young and has enormous room for improvement. But his personality is also great; he’s extremely competitive, extremely intense. Jobe is a guy with a wonderful personality. It’s been a wonderful encounter.”
While Sunderland will undoubtedly feel the void left by Bellingham’s departure, the financial windfall generated by this transfer could bolster their long-term prospects. The club are actively searching for multiple reinforcements this summer, with emphasis placed on strengthening the squad’s spine.
Sunderland’s Transfer Activity Gathers Pace
Bellingham’s sale isn’t the only major piece of business Sunderland have conducted in recent weeks. Winger Tommy Watson, who scored the decisive goal in their Championship playoff victory over Sheffield United, has already departed for Brighton in a £10 million deal. Additionally, Sunderland invested £20 million to convert Enzo Le Fée’s loan from Roma into a permanent transfer—a move highlighting their commitment to sustained top-flight survival.
There remains speculation surrounding potential incomings, including a possible reunion with former captain Jordan Henderson, although Sunderland are not actively pursuing that avenue at present.
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FAQs
How much will Borussia Dortmund pay for Jobe Bellingham?
The initial fee agreed is £27.8 million (€33 million), with potential add-ons raising it to £32 million.
Will Sunderland benefit from any future sale of Bellingham?
Yes, Sunderland have secured a 15% sell-on clause for any future transfer involving Bellingham.
Where did Jobe Bellingham start his career?
Jobe began his football journey at Birmingham City, making his senior debut at 16 before joining Sunderland.
How does this transfer compare to Sunderland’s previous record sales?
It is set to eclipse Sunderland’s previous record, surpassing the £30 million fee received for Jordan Pickford’s move to Everton in 2017.
Why did Bellingham choose Borussia Dortmund over other clubs?
Apart from Dortmund’s strong interest, the opportunity to follow his brother Jude’s successful pathway played a pivotal role in his decision.
