Borussia Dortmund, a top German football club, has finalized a deal to sign 19-year-old midfielder Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland. This exciting transfer has caught the attention of football fans worldwide, as Jobe follows in the footsteps of his older brother, Jude Bellingham, who also played for Dortmund before moving to Real Madrid. Here’s everything you need to know about this major transfer.
Transfer Details
Borussia Dortmund have agreed to pay Sunderland an initial fee of €32 million (£26.96 million) for Jobe Bellingham, with an additional €5 million (£4.2 million) in potential add-ons. This deal could rise to a total of €38 million (£32 million), making it a record-breaking transfer for Sunderland, surpassing the £30 million sale of Jordan Pickford to Everton in 2017. Sunderland also secured a 15% sell-on clause, meaning they will earn a percentage of any future transfer fee if Jobe is sold again.
Who is Jobe Bellingham?
Jobe Bellingham is a talented 19-year-old midfielder who played a key role in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League in the 2024-25 season. He made 43 appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists, helping Sunderland win the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United. Jobe started his career at Birmingham City’s academy, like his brother Jude, before joining Sunderland in 2023 for £1.5 million. His performances earned him the Championship Young Player of the Year award in 2025.
Why Borussia Dortmund?
Dortmund’s interest in Jobe has been strong for months. The club’s reputation for developing young talent, like Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, and Jude Bellingham, made it an attractive destination for Jobe. Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl, head coach Niko Kovac, and other officials met with Jobe and his family multiple times, including a visit to Ibiza, to convince him to join. Jobe’s familiarity with the club through his brother’s successful time there also played a big role in his decision.
Competition for Jobe
Jobe attracted interest from several clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig, and Premier League teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Crystal Palace. However, Dortmund emerged as the frontrunners due to their proactive approach and Jobe’s desire to test himself in the Bundesliga. The club’s qualification for the 2025-26 Champions League season further strengthened their case.
What’s Next for Jobe?
The transfer deal allows Jobe to potentially join Dortmund’s squad for the Club World Cup in the United States, as the transfer window for the tournament is open until June 10, 2025. However, Jobe is also part of England’s Under-21 squad for the European Championship in Slovakia, starting June 11. England’s U21 coach, Lee Carsley, has confirmed flexibility to support players like Jobe during this period.
Impact on Sunderland
Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League was a major achievement, but losing Jobe is a significant blow. The club tried to keep him with a contract extension until 2028, but Jobe’s ambition to play at a higher level led to his departure. The transfer fee provides Sunderland with funds to reinvest in the squad as they prepare for the Premier League.
Conclusion
Jobe Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund marks an exciting new chapter in his career. With his talent and Dortmund’s track record of nurturing young stars, fans are eager to see how he develops in the Bundesliga. This transfer also highlights Dortmund’s continued focus on signing promising young players. Stay tuned for more updates on Jobe’s journey and Sunderland’s plans for the upcoming season.
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