Soccer Football - Championship - Play-Off Final - Sheffield United v Sunderland - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - May 24, 2025 Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham celebrates with the trophy in front of the fans after winning the championship play-off final Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
Borussia Dortmund has completed the signing of Jobe Bellingham for an initial £27.8m from newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland. He becomes Sunderland’s record outgoing transfer and Dortmund’s second most expensive signing.
The deal includes a 15 per cent sell-on clause as well as add-ons worth a potential £4.2m as reported by Sky Sports. Bellingham is set to follow in the footsteps of older brother Jude who starred for Dortmund for three seasons before sealing a blockbuster move to Real Madrid.
The younger Bellingham helped Sunderland secure a return to the Premier League after an eight year hiatus. The Black Cats defeated Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final with Bellingham taking his normal place in midfield.
Dortmund faced competition from Manchester United as well as Bundesliga rivals Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig for the signature of Bellingham, but managed to convince the 19 year old to join.
Like his brother Jude, Jobe spent his youth career with Birmingham. While Jude left Birmingham for Germany, Jobe stayed countryside – joining Sunderland in 2023. He finishes his Sunderland career with 11 goals in 90 games.
Bellingham joins Dortmund
Bellingham shared a heartfelt message to the Sunderland fans as his departure was confirmed, crediting them for his progress as a player.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
“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.”
“I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life. To the staff, players and most importantly, the supporters, thank you so much and good luck for the future.”
Bellingham is eligible to play for Dortmund in this summer’s Club World Cup, with the transfer being finalized ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Tuesday sees the end of the first of two transfer windows this summer. The window will reopen on June 16th and close on September 1st.
Bellingham will wear the number 77 shirt and has signed a deal until 2030.
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