Jobe Bellingham has officially completed a high-profile transfer from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund, sealing a five-year contract that will keep the promising 19-year-old midfielder at the German club until June 2030. This move marks a significant milestone for both clubs, as Sunderland announced the fee as a club record, believed to be around €32 million (£27.8 million) plus approximately €5 million (£4.2 million) in add-ons. The deal also includes a 15% sell-on clause, underscoring Sunderland's savvy negotiation to benefit from any future profits on the player.
Bellingham’s journey has been a remarkable one. Having started his career at Birmingham City, where he made his senior debut at just 16 and played two years in the first team, he transferred to Sunderland in the summer of 2023 for a modest fee of £1.5 million. Since then, he has made a total of 90 appearances for the Black Cats, contributing 11 goals and playing a pivotal role in their promotion back to the Premier League after an eight-year absence. His performances last season earned him the Championship Young Player of the Year award, a testament to his burgeoning talent and impact on the pitch.
Following in the footsteps of his older brother Jude Bellingham, who also began his career at Birmingham City before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2020 at age 17 and later moving to Real Madrid in 2023, Jobe joins a club familiar with nurturing young English midfield talent. Jude’s successful three seasons at Dortmund, where he played 92 Bundesliga games, set a high bar, and Jobe is eager to carve out his own legacy in the Bundesliga.
Managing Director Lars Ricken expressed great confidence in the new signing, stating, "Jobe is an exceptionally talented player who, despite his young age, already possesses remarkable maturity and intelligence. We’re convinced that he fits perfectly with our philosophy of promoting young talent and giving them the opportunity to develop at the highest level. His professionalism, dynamism and ambition will enrich our team." This endorsement reflects Dortmund’s continued commitment to building a squad with young, dynamic players ready to compete at the highest levels.
Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl echoed this sentiment, adding, "We're pleased that we were able to complete the transfer before the FIFA Club World Cup and that we'll see Jobe in our colours for the first time in the USA. He's at his best and passionate about the task. Jobe wants and will forge his own path at BVB and put his own stamp on our game." Their confidence in Jobe’s potential is clear, and the club is eager to integrate him quickly into their plans.
Jobe Bellingham himself expressed excitement and determination about the new chapter in his career. "I'm very happy to be a Borussia Dortmund player now and to fight for titles together with this great club," he said. "I want to play my part in celebrating success with these great fans here and will work on myself and with the team every day. And I'm very happy that I'll be wearing the black and yellow jersey at the FIFA Club World Cup." He will sport the number 77 shirt, a fresh identity as he steps onto the world stage with Dortmund.
The timing of the transfer is crucial, as it allows Bellingham to participate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 15, 2025, in the United States. Dortmund’s first match in the tournament is slated for June 17 against Brazilian side Fluminense at 17:00 BST. Originally named in England’s Under-21 squad for the European Championship in Slovakia, Bellingham will now withdraw from that competition to focus on his club duties, with England U21 coach Lee Carsley confirming he would release players for the Club World Cup.
Sunderland’s Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman reflected on Bellingham’s time at the club, saying, "Jobe wanted to create his own story, be part of a new Sunderland, and make a lasting impact. He achieved all of this, and although we are naturally disappointed to lose a player of Jobe's quality, everyone at SAFC wishes him well in this next stage of his journey." This sentiment highlights the mutual respect and appreciation between player and club.
In a heartfelt farewell posted on his Instagram account, Bellingham thanked the Sunderland supporters for their unwavering support during his two years at the Stadium of Light. "Dear Sunderland, It's time for me to say farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have powered me through two incredible years in Red and White. Your support, on so many occasions, has completely blown me away, especially in the times of adversity which we pulled through together. You welcomed me with open arms as a kid leaving home for the first time, and I am proud that our relationship has grown to be so strong ever since. Your support for the team and I since I arrived at your beloved club was unwavering, and for that I am forever indebted to you as people and supporters. I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be. I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return, you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. So thank you. I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life, from the bottom of my heart."
He added, "I tried to embody the passion you have for the city on the football pitch and I'm so incredibly delighted that our journey came to an end with a victory at Wembley to restore the club in its rightful place. To the staff, players and most importantly the supporters thank you so much and good luck for the future. Jobe, Adopted Mackem." This message showcases the deep connection he formed with the club and its fans.
On the sporting front, Borussia Dortmund finished the 2024-2025 Bundesliga season strongly, winning seven of their last eight league games to secure fourth place and Champions League qualification. This success sets the stage for Bellingham to join a competitive squad aiming for further domestic and European glory. Dortmund’s history of eight German league titles and their reputation for developing young talent make the club an ideal environment for Bellingham’s continued growth.
As Jobe Bellingham embarks on this exciting new chapter, the football world will be watching closely to see how he adapts to the Bundesliga and whether he can emulate or even surpass the achievements of his older brother. With his proven track record of maturity, skill, and resilience, Dortmund fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future of their new number 77.
