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Sunderland midfield talent Jobe Bellingham is on the verge of completing a blockbuster transfer to Borussia Dortmund—a move that not only mirrors the early career trajectory of his older brother Jude Bellingham but could also break Sunderland’s all-time transfer record.
According to recent reports from *EFL Analysis*, Dortmund outpaced a slew of top Premier League clubs, as well as German heavyweights Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig, to secure the signature of the 19-year-old. The Black Cats are expected to receive a fee that may surpass the £30 million Everton paid for Jordan Pickford in 2017, positioning Jobe’s exit as potentially the club’s most lucrative sale in history.
Following Jude’s Path, But Carving His Own Legacy
While the comparisons to his brother Jude—now a Real Madrid star and one of the world’s most admired midfielders—are inevitable, many in football, including former Sunderland striker Darren Bent, caution against unfairly stacking the two against each other. Bent notes that while Jude’s legacy sets a high bar, Jobe’s decision to join Dortmund might be a smart career move in its own right.
“You’ve just been promoted with Sunderland to the Premier League—one of the biggest stages in world football,” Bent said. “But at the same time, the Dortmund path makes a lot of sense. Jude did it right—Birmingham to Dortmund, then to Madrid. That pathway is proven.”
Bent, who scored 32 Premier League goals during his spell at Sunderland, believes Dortmund’s familiarity with the Bellingham family played a key role in the transfer. “They’ve probably kept close ties with the family ever since Jude joined. It feels like a natural fit.”
An Iconic Shirt Number Awaits
In another symbolic gesture tying Jobe to Dortmund’s rich footballing lineage, Sky Germany reports the young midfielder is set to be handed the club’s revered number *7 shirt. That number has a storied past at Signal Iduna Park, worn by the likes of:
Jadon Sancho, whose dazzling displays at Dortmund once made him one of Europe’s most electrifying wingers.
Ousmane Dembélé, whose brief but brilliant tenure led to a £135 million move to Barcelona, at one point making him the second-most expensive player in the world.
Robert Lewandowski, who briefly wore the number before transitioning to the famous No. 9 jersey and becoming one of the greatest strikers of his generation.
Shinji Kagawa, a key figure in Jürgen Klopp’s title-winning side.
Currently, the number is held by Giovanni Reyna, but the American’s injury struggles and uncertain future could pave the way for Jobe to inherit the number.
Dortmund: A Proven Launchpad for Young English Talent
Borussia Dortmund has long been admired for its ability to develop young talent and prepare them for Europe’s elite stages. Jude Bellingham’s meteoric rise is just one example. For Jobe, the move represents an opportunity to grow out of his brother’s shadow and forge his own identity at a club where youth is trusted and nurtured.
Bent praises the growing trend of young English players seeking development opportunities abroad: “It’s refreshing to see players thinking beyond the Premier League. Going out, learning different styles, experiencing other cultures—it broadens a player’s perspective and maturity.”
Sunderland’s Perspective: A Mixed Emotion Exit
While Sunderland fans may feel a sense of loss at parting with such a precocious talent just as the club celebrates promotion to the Premier League, the deal could be transformative in financial terms. With the expected windfall, Sunderland could reinvest in strengthening their squad to meet top-flight demands.
Jobe’s development since arriving from Birmingham City at just 17 for £3 million has been rapid, and while the timing of his departure might feel bittersweet, it underscores the success of Sunderland’s recruitment and player development system.
Conclusion: A Transfer That Echoes Greatness, Yet Aims for Independence
Jobe Bellingham’s imminent switch to Borussia Dortmund is both a nod to family legacy and a bold step in his own right. He’s stepping into a club that knows how to polish potential into global stardom—just ask his brother. And if he does indeed inherit the number 7 shirt, he’ll carry not just weighty expectations, but the chance to inscribe his own name into Dortmund’s illustrious history.
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