Bellingham Becomes Borussia Dortmund’s Second Most Expensive Signing Ever

Jobe leaves Sunderland on a high after helping his team back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.

In one of the summer’s most eye-catching transfers, Borussia Dortmund have snapped up Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland. The 19-year-old midfielder will sign for Dortmund in a deal worth up to £32 million, making him the second most expensive signing in the German club’s history behind only Ousmane Dembele.

The move is a major milestone not only for Jobe’s budding career but also for Sunderland, who have secured their largest-ever transfer fee as a result. After joining Sunderland in the summer of 2023, his rapid development made him one of the most sought-after teenagers in English football.

🚨🐝 Jobe #Bellingham will arrive in Dortmund later today. His medical is scheduled for Monday.

Afterwards, he will sign a contract running until 2030 with NO release clause included.

At #BVB, he is understood to earn around €3.5 million gross per year.@SkySportDE 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/fiLVvI8ccd
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 8, 2025

Jobe Bellingham Following Brother Jude’s Path

Jobe Bellingham has followed in the footsteps of his older brother Jude Bellingham by heading to Signal Iduna Park. Jude joined the Black and Yellows in 2020 for £25 million. Jude’s stint at the club was transformative as he developed into one of the best midfielders in the world. He later joined Real Madrid for £86 million and enjoyed a dream debut season in Spain. Los Bloncos won both La Liga and the Champions League that season. He also finished third in Ballon d’Or 2024 rankings.

Jobe Bellingham came through Birmingham City’s youth academy – just like Jude – and made his senior debut at just 16. Now, Jobe will hope to write his own story at Dortmund, stepping into a club renowned for developing elite talent. Dortmund has already nurtured talents like Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, and Ousmane Dembele.

15-year-old Jobe Bellingham was there when Jude signed for Dortmund in 2020.

Five years later, he's reportedly set to join the club himself ⭐ pic.twitter.com/r7q2HH7d39
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 8, 2025

Jobe’s Record-Breaking Season with Sunderland

Jobe leaves Sunderland on a high after an exceptional season in the Championship. He helped guide the club back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017. He was instrumental in Sunderland’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the play-off final at Wembley capping off a remarkable breakthrough season.

He started 39 out of 40 league matches this season and was substituted just once throughout the campaign. He managed to score four goals and orovided three assists as well. Recognised for his outstanding performances, he earned a spot in the Championship Team of the Season. Bellingham was also honoured as the Championship Young Player of the Season.

The young midfielder was set to represent England at the U21 European Championship this summer, with manager Lee Carsley calling him “an important part of the squad.” However, with Dortmund involved in the FIFA Club World Cup, Bellingham may have to prioritize club over country as he prepares to integrate into his new team.

Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund

Jobe Bellingham

Jude Bellingham

Sunderland

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.