Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham is poised for a big-money move to Borussia Dortmund after helping his side secure promotion to the Premier League this season.
The midfielder has been the subject of interest from the Premier League and Bundesliga throughout the 2024-25 campaign, in which Bellingham has been an anchor in Regis Le Bris’ promotion-winning team.
Sunderland spectacularly clinched their return to the top flight by winning the Championship play-off final at Wembley against Sheffield United.
Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
EFL Analysis exclusively revealed in May how Dortmund were always confident of signing Bellingham this summer, no matter how the Black Cats’ season ended. However, can he live up to the expectations of going to his brother Jude’s former club?
Jude Bellingham’s three-season stint at Borussia Dortmund (2020-2023) saw him grow into one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders. His performances resulted in him being named the Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2022-23.
After a highly successful period, Jude moved to Real Madrid in July 2023, where he has continued to thrive, winning both La Liga and the Champions League in his debut season. So, can Jobe live up to Jude’s legacy at Dortmund?
How Sunderland’s rising star paved the way for Dortmund move
Jobe Bellingham’s journey from Sunderland to the verge of a Borussia Dortmund move is a testament to his rapid development.
He began his senior career at Birmingham City, coming through their academy and making his first-team debut as a 16-year-old.
After making 26 appearances for Birmingham City, he joined the Black Cats in the summer of 2023. The young midfielder quickly established himself as a key figure under Regis Le Bris.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
His consistently strong performances saw him become a centrepiece in Sunderland’s promotion-winning team during the 2024-25 campaign.
Playing a key role in their dramatic Championship play-off final victory over Sheffield United at Wembley, securing a return to the Premier League, Jobe showcased his maturity and talent.
His 7 goals in 45 Championship appearances during the 2024-25 season, alongside 1 assist, further highlight his impact.
This impressive season in the Championship, a demanding and competitive league, has arguably provided the perfect springboard, paving the way for interest from a European giant like Borussia Dortmund.
Goals 4
Assists 3
Matches 40
Minutes played 3, 507
Yellow cards 10
Jobe Bellingham’s statistics 2024/25 season via FotMob & transfermarkt.
Does Jobe have the potential to top his brother Jude’s Dortmund legacy?
It’s safe to say Jude had an immense impact when he joined BVB, turning into a world-class midfielder who dominated games, provided consistent goal contributions, and eventually commanded a massive transfer fee to Real Madrid.
During his time at Dortmund, Jude played 132 games, scoring 24 goals and providing 25 assists.
His move to Real Madrid in July 2023 for a base transfer fee of £87 million, with potential add-ons, was a clear display of his quality and global standing in the football world.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Jobe, while highly talented, has a different profile and has been developing at a different pace. He has shown versatility at Sunderland, playing as an attacking midfielder and central midfielder.
His time at Sunderland has included 90 games, scoring 11 goals and registering 4 assists. He also boasts a high pass accuracy, particularly in the final third.
EFL Analysis understands that Sunderland are set to accept a deal worth around £25 million, which, with add-ons, could take the deal over the £30 million mark. A deal that could break Sunderland’s most expensive sales record.
However, Jude was already a regular starter and playing Champions League football at Dortmund when he was Jobe’s current age.
While Jobe’s trajectory is on the rise, topping Jude’s immediate and significant impact at such a young age will be a tough task.
Jobe will need to show what he can do and consistently play well in Germany’s tough top league to become as successful, or even more successful, than his brother.