Borussia Dortmund are growing increasingly confident of landing Jobe Bellingham, the highly rated Sunderland midfielder.
The move would be a sensational family reunion of sorts — four years after his older brother Jude Bellingham left the Bundesliga club for Real Madrid.
The 19-year-old, fresh off helping Sunderland return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, has emerged as one of the hottest properties in Europe.
Dortmund, known for nurturing young talent, are now believed to be in pole position to secure his signature, although formal talks with Sunderland are yet to begin.
Dortmund’s Resurgence a Key Factor
Dortmund’s belief in completing the deal has been buoyed by their strong end to the Bundesliga season.
Despite sitting 11th with eight games to go, they stormed into the top four, clinching Champions League qualification after an unbeaten finish that included a draw away to champions Bayern Munich.
That late push has made Dortmund a more attractive destination — offering Bellingham not only top-flight German football but European exposure as well.
A Tale of Two Bellinghams
The move would mirror the journey of his brother Jude, who joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020.
Jude’s rise at Signal Iduna Park saw him win the DFB-Pokal in 2021 and become one of Europe’s top midfielders before his blockbuster move to Real Madrid in 2023.
Jobe, meanwhile, has carved out a name of his own.
He was recently named the Championship’s Young Player of the Year and featured in the Team of the Season, playing a pivotal role in Sunderland’s playoff triumph over Sheffield United.
While no formal offer has been tabled yet, Dortmund are confident that Jobe Bellingham wants to make the move.
Sources close to the player indicate he sees the German side as a launchpad for both development and continental success, much like his brother did.
Sunderland, having just returned to the Premier League, are expected to push for a substantial transfer fee, but an agreement is considered likely in the coming weeks.
