A disturbing update has been revealed regarding the transfer status of Jobe Bellingham following the final.
Borussia Dortmund are thought to be close to acquiring Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, with German source BILD saying that the 19-year-old might agree to a transfer as early as this week.
According to the source, negotiations between Dortmund and the Bellingham camp have gone smoothly, and the Bundesliga giants are reportedly willing to pay a transfer fee of around €30 million (£25 million) to capture the highly rated England youth international.
While no official agreement has been reached, BILD’s report indicates that a transaction is nearing completion and that Dortmund’s ambitions for the player include immediate integration into the first-team squad. Bellingham’s remarkable growth this season under both Tony Mowbray and Régis Le Bris has piqued the interest of several European teams, but Dortmund’s track record of developing young English talent, particularly his brother, could be pivotal.
Jobe might follow in the footsteps of his older brother Jude Bellingham, who made his reputation at Dortmund before making a high-profile move to Real Madrid. Jobe, on the other hand, has forged his own path this season, playing a key role in Sunderland’s promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
Sunderland, who will play top-flight football for the first time since 2017, would prefer to keep the player after their Wembley victory against Sheffield United. The club’s rise and excellent dressing-room culture could yet influence the teenager’s final selection. However, with interest growing and the cash package on offer perhaps too tempting to pass up, the Black Cats may soon be fighting to keep one of the country’s brightest young midfielders.
Following Sunderland’s victory over Sheffield United, Jobe Bellingham posted a number of strange messages on Instagram, including one that read “Job finished.” The message instantly garnered attention and reactions from throughout the football globe, including Sunderland fans and teammates. Jordan Henderson, the former Black Cats captain, answered with multiple heart emojis, adding to the excitement. Later that Sunday afternoon, Bellingham uploaded an old comment from when he signed a new deal with the club last summer, adding to suspicions about his future.
At the time, he posted: “I’m buzzing to sign this contract and extend my stay at Sunderland. I feel like I have a lot of unfinished business and I believe we can achieve some great things this season. This is such an amazing city and I’m so proud to represent the people within it. Everyone has made me feel right at home and I couldn’t imagine playing for a Club where it didn’t mean as much as it does to our fans. I enjoy playing for Sunderland and I can’t wait to get back to the Stadium of Light this weekend.”
Kristjaan Speakman added: “Jobe has fully immersed himself in Sunderland since day one and he has a clear affection for the area and the supporters. We always planned to extend his initial contract, but when a player performs so well in their breakthrough season, it is only natural for other opportunities to arise. Despite this, Jobe has been consistent that Sunderland is where he wants to be and his desire to remain at the Club is a big boost for us heading into our first home game.”
What Régis Le Bris said about Sunderland’s stunning win
“It’s a fantastic scenario for us, again,” Le Bris said. “Like the semi-final, just absolutely fantastic. Tough for the coaches and fans probably but again we showed strong character. Even when we were not dominant, even when we have struggled as a squad, we stay connected and stick to our plan. Then later in the game, you feel that maybe can change the momentum. This was the case today.
“We lost Luke early, and a substitution too. At the same time, I was comfortable to make this sub because we knew Meps was ready. He has been really impressive this season, as a player but also as a person and as a pro. When he came out of the team ahead of the semi finals, he told me, ‘I will stay connected with the group, don’t worry’. He showed today that this behaviour was really important for the squad. We switched him with Ballard because they targeted this side with Kieffer Moore, so we managed this.”
