Borussia Dortmund have signed midfielder, Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland for £32m.
Bellingham had attracted interest from Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig but Dortmund ultimately beat their Bundesliga rivals to sign the 19-year-old, who is following in the footsteps of his elder brother – Jude, who scored 24 goals in 132 appearances across three seasons between 2020-23 at the club.
Sunderland had inserted a £33.7m release clause in Bellingham’s contract, but the club and player had a polite agreement that he could join a major club for a lower fee, which Dortmund met with a £32m offer consisting of a £27.8m fee plus £4.2m in add-ons.
Sunderland however will have a 15% sell-on clause inserted within the transfer, meaning that the Black Cats will receive 15% of any future transfer fee if Bellingham leaves Dortmund in the future for any price.
Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman explained that Bellingham held “an unrelenting commitment to improvement that only the very best possess,” which left the club proud at his progress and attitude throughout his time on Wearside.
“Less obvious are the sacrifices and the challenges along the way, and I couldn’t be prouder of how he’s conducted himself and embraced the Club, the community, and our supporters.
“He’s lived and breathed Sunderland every step of the way. For our Club, it’s another representation of the strength of our strategy and what’s possible.
“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.”
Bellingham added a farewell message to Sunderland fans as he praised them for their support.
“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. 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.”
The young midfielder meanwhile told Dortmund’s website that he is “very happy” to join Dortmund and will be part of the Club World Cup squad.
“I’m very happy to be a Borussia Dortmund player now and to fight for titles together with this great club.
“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.”
Bellingham began his career at Birmingham where he made his debut in a 1-0 First Round win at home to Colchester United in August 2021 in that season’s Carabao Cup, before he went on to make 26 first-team appearances in total.
The midfielder however decided to move to Sunderland in 2023 where he netted 11 goals in 90 appearances across two seasons, during which he helped the Black Cats win promotion to the Premier League in May 2025 via the Championship Play-Offs to end an eight-year top-flight absence.
