Borussia Dortmund has reached an agreement with Sunderland for the transfer of Jobe Bellingham, with the total fee set to potentially rise to €38 million (£32 million; $43.3 million). The initial payment will be between €30 million and €33 million, with the remaining amount dependent on various performance-related add-ons. This transfer would mark a new record for Dortmund, surpassing the €35 million fee they paid to Rennes for Ousmane Dembélé in 2016, although they view some of the bonuses as potentially harder to achieve.
This deal also establishes a new record for Sunderland’s outgoing transfers, topping the previous mark set by Jordan Pickford’s transfer to Everton in 2017. Additionally, Sunderland has secured a 15 percent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Dortmund’s interest in Bellingham has been underscored by visits from key personnel, including head coach Niko Kovac and sporting director Sebastian Kehl, who met with Bellingham in England. They even took steps to meet with the midfielder while he was on holiday in Ibiza to finalize the deal.
Bellingham, who had a successful stint at Sunderland after joining from Birmingham City in 2023, played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion back to the Premier League in the 2024-25 season. He has been included in Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad for the European Championship, although this competes with Dortmund’s participation in the Club World Cup in the United States. The club has the option to register him in their squad during the extra transfer window offered by FIFA, which runs from June 1-10.
Following Bellingham’s upcoming transfer, Sunderland faces the challenge of replacing another key player, as winger Tom Watson recently left the club to join Brighton & Hove Albion for £10 million.
This transfer not only signifies exciting developments for Borussia Dortmund as they strengthen their squad but also reflects Sunderland’s promising potential as they navigate the transfer market and build for their future in the Premier League.