Jobe Bellingham has completed a high-profile transfer from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund in a deal that could rise to £32 million. The 19-year-old midfielder, who played a crucial role in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League, will now have the chance to feature in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. He has signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga giants and will wear the number 77 shirt.
Bellingham’s move mirrors that of his older brother, Jude, who also left English football as a teenager to join Dortmund before moving to Real Madrid. The younger Bellingham is now set to forge his own path on the European stage, with expectations high following his standout performances in the Championship.
Speaking after the transfer, Bellingham expressed his excitement at joining Dortmund. He said he was eager to compete for titles and contribute to the club’s success. His arrival is seen as a strategic investment in youth by Dortmund, a club known for developing young talent into world-class players.
The midfielder originally joined Sunderland from Birmingham City in 2023 for just £1.5 million. Since then, he has become the face of Sunderland’s project to build around young, high-potential players. His performances throughout the campaign, particularly during the Championship playoffs, were instrumental in securing the team’s return to top-flight football.
Sunderland confirmed the fee received for Bellingham is a club record and includes a 15% sell-on clause. The club’s sporting director praised Bellingham’s impact both on and off the pitch, noting that he played a key role in shaping a new era at the club. Despite disappointment at his departure, the sentiment around the club remains supportive of his ambitions.
Bellingham also penned a heartfelt farewell message to Sunderland fans, thanking them for their unwavering support. He reflected on his time at the club with gratitude, acknowledging how the supporters embraced him and helped him grow. He described Sunderland as a second home and expressed pride in having been part of the club’s resurgence.
He stated that wearing the red and white shirt was an honour and that the fans’ passion fueled his performances. His parting message underlined his commitment to representing Sunderland’s spirit wherever his career takes him next.
Now stepping onto a bigger stage with Dortmund, Jobe Bellingham looks to continue his upward trajectory, driven by ambition and shaped by the experiences gained during his transformative spell at Sunderland.
