Sunderland is embarking on an exciting new chapter as they participate in the Premier League for the 2025-26 season, albeit with the notable absence of midfielder Jobe Bellingham. The talented 19-year-old has made a significant move to Borussia Dortmund, with the transfer fee reported at €33 million.
With Bellingham’s departure, Sunderland is actively seeking to strengthen their midfield. Among the players linked to the club is Habib Diarra, a promising 21-year-old Senegalese midfielder from RC Strasbourg, highlighting Sunderland’s proactive approach to recruitment.
Bellingham has quickly made his mark in Germany, recently debuting in the FIFA Club World Cup against Brazil’s Fluminense. During that match, he played 31 minutes and showcased his skills with an impressive 93% passing accuracy, completing 26 out of 28 attempts. His performance drew parallels to that of his brother, Jude Bellingham, further establishing Jobe as a remarkable talent to watch in the football world.
As for his new role at Dortmund, reports indicate that Bellingham’s annual salary is €3 million (approximately £2.57 million), which can potentially rise to €5 million (around £4.27 million) with performance-based bonuses. This information, initially reported by BILD, signifies Bellingham’s promising ascent in football while also maintaining that Borussia Dortmund has yet to officially confirm these figures.
Despite Sunderland’s loss of such a promising player, the club remains focused on building a competitive squad and wishes Jobe Bellingham continued success in his new endeavors abroad. This transition signifies not only a challenge but also an opportunity for Sunderland to discover new talents who can take the mantle and shine in the Premier League.