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Sunderland fans have delivered a wave of emotional tributes following the official confirmation that Jobe Bellingham has completed a record-breaking transfer to Borussia Dortmund. The 19-year-old rising star has left the Stadium of Light to begin a new chapter in Germany, sparking pride and bittersweet reactions across the fanbase.
From Sunderland to Dortmund: A Record Exit
As revealed exclusively by Football Insider, Bellingham verbally agreed terms with Dortmund before the deal was publicly confirmed on Tuesday, June 10. Both clubs announced the transfer, with Sunderland stating via X (formerly Twitter):
> “Jobe Bellingham has today completed a permanent transfer to Borussia Dortmund for a club record fee. Thank you for everything, and best of luck for the future, Jobe!”
The transfer, reportedly worth £26.96 million upfront plus £4.2 million in performance-related add-ons, sees Bellingham become Sunderland’s most lucrative sale ever.
Bellingham’s Breakthrough Season at Sunderland
During the 2024/25 Championship season, Bellingham played a pivotal role in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League:
Appearances: 40
Goals: 4
Assists: 3
His mature performances and midfield versatility caught the eye of scouts across Europe, and the move to Dortmund signals a major leap forward in his career.
Fans React: “A Class Above”
Supporters from Sunderland and beyond have responded with emotion and admiration. A **Blackburn Rovers** fan who witnessed Bellingham in action said:
> “Looked a class above when they came to Ewood.”
Meanwhile, Sunderland fans expressed mixed feelings of pride and sorrow:
> “Absolutely gutted but wish him nothing but the best!”
This sentiment reflects both the excitement surrounding Bellingham’s next steps and the loss felt by a fanbase that had grown to admire the young midfielder’s contributions.
Following in Jude’s Footsteps
Jobe now follows in the path of his older brother Jude Bellingham, who also made a name for himself at Dortmund before becoming a global star at Real Madrid. Like Jude, Jobe aims to make an immediate impact in the Bundesliga under new manager Niko Kovač, who reportedly views the English midfielder as a key piece in his squad.
Despite his limited top-tier experience, the size of the transfer fee suggests Dortmund intends to give Bellingham **significant first-team opportunities in the 2025/26 season.
-Club World Cup Debut Looms
Bellingham’s transition to life in Germany will be accelerated by Dortmund’s participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The team will face:
Fluminense (Brazil) – June 17
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Ulsan HD (South Korea)
These fixtures will provide Bellingham with valuable match experience and a chance to cement his place in Dortmund’s lineup early on.
Sunderland Eye Replacements Amid Further Changes
As Sunderland bids farewell to Bellingham and fellow promotion hero Tommy Watson (who has joined Brighton), attention now turns to reinforcements. French journalist Luke Entwistle reports the club is pursuing Cedric Kipré, a defensive target who could help solidify the squad ahead of their Premier League return.
Summary
Jobe Bellingham joins Borussia Dortmund for a club-record fee.
Leaves Sunderland after a breakout Championship season.
Fans react with pride, emotion, and high praise.
Dortmund see the 19-year-old as a future first-team regular.
Club World Cup debut awaits as Bellingham begins his Bundesliga journey.
Bellingham’s transfer marks not only a major step in his career but also a sign of Sunderland’s growing reputation as a club capable of developing elite talent ready for Europe’s biggest stages.
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