Jobe Bellingham in Line for £25m Borussia Dortmund Transfer – Set for Possible Club World Cup Clash with Brother Jude
Jobe Bellingham could soon find himself lining up against his older brother Jude in a dream scenario at this month’s Club World Cup, with Borussia Dortmund closing in on a sensational £25 million move for the Sunderland starlet.
The Bundesliga giants are understood to be leading the race to sign the 19-year-old midfielder, with a £21 million offer plus performance-related add-ons already on the table. Although Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly matched Dortmund’s bid, the latter are seen as favourites to secure the deal—thanks in no small part to the club’s proven track record in developing young English talent.
Jobe’s potential move would mirror that of his brother Jude, who joined Dortmund from Birmingham City for the same £25 million fee back in 2020. Jude’s success in Germany—where he became one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders before his eventual move to Real Madrid—has had a major influence on Jobe’s career trajectory. The Bellingham family, particularly parents Mark and Denise who act as the player’s representatives, are believed to see Dortmund as the ideal environment for their youngest son’s continued development.
Sources indicate that Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has already held detailed discussions with Jobe, who played a crucial role in helping Sunderland gain promotion to the Premier League last season. The club’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, is also actively engaged in negotiations with Sunderland and the Bellingham family.
However, Sunderland are reluctant to part with one of their brightest prospects following their return to the top flight and could hold out for a full £25 million fee. Still, the pull of Champions League-calibre football—and the opportunity to take part in the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup—may prove decisive.
Dortmund will face Brazilian giants Fluminense in their opening Club World Cup match in New Jersey on June 17. Should the deal be finalized in time, Jobe could make his debut in that match—and possibly set up a high-stakes showdown with his brother Jude and Real Madrid later in the tournament.
Dortmund qualified for the tournament via UEFA’s four-year club ranking, while Madrid earned their place by winning the 2022 UEFA Champions League. A potential meeting between the Bellingham brothers on the world stage would be a moment of footballing symmetry and family pride, underlining the rapid rise of Jobe as a star in his own right.
For now, all eyes are on the final stages of the negotiations—because if Dortmund have their way, history could be about to repeat itself, with another Bellingham lighting up the Bundesliga and beyond.
