Sunderland and Borussia Dortmund have completed a deal for Jobe Bellingham at an initial cost of €32 million (£26.96 million), with an additional €5 million (£4.2 million) in potential add-ons.
Numerous European teams have expressed interest in the 19-year-old midfielder, but Dortmund, where his older brother Jude previously played, is expected to secure his services.
Bellingham’s 43 appearances and four goals for Sunderland in all competitions this past season helped secure their promotion to the Premier League, a feat he’s accomplished since joining the club in 2023.
From Birmingham City’s academy, the England youth international played two years of senior football for the club, marking the start of his career.
Although inconsistent throughout the 2024-25 season, Borussia Dortmund’s strong finish, with five consecutive wins, secured them fourth place and Champions League qualification.
Bellingham could participate in the upcoming Club World Cup if the deal is finalized by June 10.
That tournament takes place in the U.S. between June 14 and July 13.
Bellingham’s inclusion in the European Under-21 Championship (Slovakia, June 11-28) won’t stop him from playing in the Club World Cup, as England’s manager will release players.
Following his brother’s example
It’s believed Bellingham desires to follow his brother’s path.
Two years older than Jobe, Jude also progressed through Birmingham City’s academy, eventually transferring to Borussia Dortmund in 2020 and then to Real Madrid in 2023.
Like his brother, Bellingham’s career path includes Dortmund, and he also won the Championship’s Young Player of the Year award in May, five years after Jude’s victory.
A possible link between the brothers could have smoothed Bellingham’s move to Dortmund.
Working with the Bellinghams in Birmingham’s academy, Daniel Dodds—Mike’s brother and the German club’s UK scout—has prior coaching experience.
When Jobe Bellingham transferred from St Andrew’s to the Stadium of Light, Mike Dodds was also on Sunderland’s coaching staff.
Mike Dodds told the Northern Echo (2023) he thought the man had the potential for ultimate achievement.
“In their ambition, both brothers show a similar unwavering determination.”
