! Borussia Dortmund Agree Deal to Sign Jobe Bellingham in Record Sunderland Sale
June 2025
In a major summer transfer move, Borussia Dortmund have officially reached an agreement to sign Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland in what is now the most lucrative sale in the English club’s history. The Bundesliga giants will pay a fixed fee of €33 million, with a potential €5 million in add-ons, and have also agreed to a 15% sell-on clause—highlighting Sunderland’s shrewd negotiation in this high-stakes deal.
This move not only reunites the Bellingham family name with the iconic black-and-yellow club, where older brother Jude Bellingham became a global superstar, but also solidifies Jobe’s rapid rise as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders.
Dortmund Get Their Man
After weeks of speculation, and with several clubs monitoring the 19-year-old midfielder’s situation, Borussia Dortmund have sealed the deal—beating out competition from Premier League and Serie A clubs.
Dortmund’s technical director Sebastian Kehl expressed his delight at the transfer:
“Jobe is a player with immense talent, tactical maturity, and fearless mentality. We’ve been following his development closely. His arrival fits perfectly with our identity: young, dynamic, ambitious football.”
Jobe Bellingham is expected to undergo medicals in the coming days and will be officially unveiled next week at the Signal Iduna Park. He is seen as a versatile addition to the squad, capable of playing in central midfield, as a No. 10, or in a more advanced role if needed.
Sunderland’s Historic Windfall
For Sunderland, the deal marks a new era of recognition and financial strength. The €33 million fixed fee obliterates their previous transfer record and signals a successful culmination of their long-term development strategy.
The club had initially turned down a €20 million offer earlier this spring, holding out for greater value amid growing interest. Their patience has paid off handsomely. Not only do they secure a substantial immediate fee, but the 15% sell-on clause gives them future upside should Jobe make another big move later in his career.
Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland’s Sporting Director, stated:
“We’re incredibly proud of Jobe and what he’s achieved here. This move reflects both his potential and the work our academy and coaching staff have invested in nurturing him. We wish him all the best in Germany.”
A Return to Familiar Ground
While Jobe never played for Dortmund before, the symbolism of the move is profound. His older brother, Jude Bellingham, joined Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 and developed into one of the world’s best midfielders before transferring to Real Madrid in 2023 for over €100 million.
Jobe’s decision to follow a similar pathway is seen as a vote of confidence in Dortmund’s reputation for developing elite talent. It’s also a statement of ambition: to step out of his brother’s shadow and build a name for himself at a club where expectations are high and opportunity abounds.
Sources close to the player indicate that the project and development plan Dortmund presented was key to convincing Jobe. He is eager to work under head coach Nuri Şahin, who has emphasized youth integration and fluid attacking football since taking over.
Rising Star, Rapid Progress
Jobe Bellingham’s rise has been swift. After joining Sunderland from Birmingham in 2023, he quickly became a fan favorite with his box-to-box energy, vision, and intelligent positioning. In the 2024–25 season, he made 42 appearances in the Championship, scoring 9 goals and assisting 7, all while showing composure beyond his years.
At 6’2”, with a strong physical frame and excellent technical ability, Jobe has drawn comparisons to both his brother Jude and legendary midfielders like Michael Ballack. His maturity and leadership on the pitch have impressed coaches and scouts alike.
Internationally, he has featured prominently for England’s U20 side and is expected to break into the U21s later this year. A senior call-up may not be far off if he adapts quickly to life in the Bundesliga.
What It Means for Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund are not just buying a name—they’re investing in a dynamic, modern midfielder who could become central to their next chapter. With veteran midfielders like Emre Can aging and others attracting interest abroad, Jobe’s arrival is timely.
He’ll join a young core that includes Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Karim Adeyemi, Julien Duranville, and Youssoufa Moukoko—an exciting group that can propel Dortmund into a new era of domestic and European competition.
Given Dortmund’s track record of developing players and selling them for massive fees (think Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembélé, and Jude Bellingham), Jobe Bellingham’s arrival is also a strategic investment. The 15% sell-on clause conceded to Sunderland underscores that.
Reactions from the Football World
The football community has reacted with admiration to the move. Many praise Dortmund’s consistency in identifying and nurturing elite-level young talent.
Former Dortmund and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves commented on the deal during a broadcast:
“It’s a perfect match. Dortmund gets a hungry, talented player who’s seen what his brother achieved there. Jobe will be eager to carve his own legacy, and I think he will.”
Looking Ahead
As Jobe Bellingham prepares to make the leap to the Bundesliga, all eyes will be on how he adapts to a faster, more physically demanding league. If his trajectory continues upward, he could soon follow in Jude’s footsteps—both as a club leader and an international star.
For now, Dortmund fans can celebrate a new arrival. Sunderland fans, though sad to see him go, can be proud of their club’s vision, development system, and ability to make smart business moves.
One thing is certain: the Bellingham name is back in Dortmund—and the next chapter is just beginning.
