Borussia Dortmund have secured a major transfer coup, reaching a full agreement with Sunderland’s rising star Jobe Bellingham for a five-year contract, sources confirmed today.
The 19-year-old English midfielder, widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in the EFL Championship, is set to join the Bundesliga giants in a move that signals Dortmund’s continued commitment to nurturing young prospects.
While personal terms are finalised, negotiations with Sunderland are expected to conclude in the coming days, paving the way for Bellingham to don the famous yellow and black of BVB.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in Bellingham’s burgeoning career, following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Jude Bellingham, who also rose to prominence at Dortmund before securing a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid.
Jobe, a versatile and dynamic midfielder, has been a standout performer for Sunderland since joining the Black Cats from Birmingham City in 2023.
His blend of technical ability, physicality, and maturity beyond his years has drawn comparisons to his brother, though Jobe has carved out his own identity as a box-to-box midfielder with a knack for driving runs and goal-scoring contributions.
According to sources close to the deal, Bellingham and Dortmund finalised personal terms earlier this week, with the player committing to a contract that will keep him at Signal Iduna Park until 2030.
The five-year deal reflects Dortmund’s confidence in Bellingham’s potential to become a cornerstone of their midfield as they look to build on their recent successes in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.
The next step, insiders say, is for Dortmund to wrap up negotiations with Sunderland, with discussions progressing smoothly and an announcement expected in the coming days.
While the exact transfer fee remains undisclosed, reports suggest Dortmund are prepared to pay a significant sum for the teenager, potentially in the range of €25-30 million, with add-ons tied to performance milestones.
Sunderland, who have nurtured Bellingham into one of England’s most promising talents, are expected to drive a hard bargain, but the lure of Champions League football and Dortmund’s reputation for developing young players have proven decisive in Bellingham’s decision to move.
The transfer has sparked excitement among Dortmund fans, who have taken to social media platforms like X to express their enthusiasm.
“Jobe Bellingham to BVB? Another gem in the making! This club knows how to spot talent,” one supporter posted. Others have drawn parallels to Jude’s transformative spell at Dortmund, with one fan noting, “If Jobe is half as good as Jude was for us, we’re in for a treat.”
The move also underscores Dortmund’s recruitment strategy, which has seen them unearth stars like Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, and Jude Bellingham in recent years.
Jobe Bellingham’s journey to this point has been marked by rapid progress. After breaking through at Birmingham City, where he made his senior debut at just 16, he moved to Sunderland in search of regular first-team football.
His performances in the Championship, where he has consistently showcased his versatility and composure, have earned him plaudits from coaches and pundits alike.
Internationally, Bellingham has represented England at various youth levels, and his move to Dortmund is expected to accelerate his development as he aims for a senior call-up.
For Dortmund, the signing of Bellingham represents a strategic addition to a squad that blends youth and experience under head coach Nuri Şahin. With players like Julian Brandt and Marcel Sabitzer providing creativity and leadership in midfield, Bellingham’s energy and adaptability are expected to complement Dortmund’s high-pressing, attacking style.
The club’s ability to attract a player of Bellingham’s calibre also highlights their enduring appeal, despite competition from Premier League clubs and other European heavyweights reportedly monitoring the youngster.
Sunderland, meanwhile, face the challenge of replacing a key player who has been integral to their push for promotion in the Championship.
The funds from Bellingham’s transfer, however, will provide manager Régis Le Bris with the resources to strengthen the squad, as the Black Cats aim to return to the Premier League.
The club’s academy and recruitment model, which has produced talents like Bellingham and Jordan Pickford, will continue to serve as a foundation for future success.
As Dortmund prepare to finalise the transfer, attention will soon shift to how Bellingham integrates into a new league and culture.
The Bundesliga’s fast-paced, technical style is seen as an ideal fit for his skill set, and the opportunity to learn from Şahin, a former midfielder himself, could prove invaluable.
For now, the focus remains on completing the formalities, with a medical and official signing expected to follow once the clubs reach a final agreement.
The transfer window is heating up, and Jobe Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund is set to be one of its defining stories. As the football world watches, the young Englishman is poised to take the next step in what promises to be a stellar career.
