Bellingham also turns back on England U21s as he quits Sunderland
Jobe Bellingham’s transfer to Borussia Dortmund is set to go through imminently, as the young midfielder takes a big step in his career.
The 19-year-old is set to wave goodbye to Sunderland, having helped the Black Cats secure a return to the top flight for the first time since 2017.
Dortmund have been one of several huge clubs in both England and Germany who have been chasing Bellingham’s signature over the last few months, but his preference was BVB, and personal terms have been agreed for some time now.
For a long time, the two clubs couldn’t agree on a fee, but that stumbling block has now been surpassed, and Bellingham is set to make the switch.
Bellingham is set to withdraw from England’s U21 squad ahead of Dortmund move
Dortmund have been keen to get the move over the line as quickly as possible so they can add Bellingham to their squad for the upcoming Club World Cup.
The new-look tournament has been expanded to 32 teams this year and will begin on Saturday (14 June). The fresh format has seen its importance increase for several clubs, who are keen to get stars through the door in time to showcase their ability on the world’s stage.
Bellingham is set to move to the Bundesliga for an initial fee of £27.8million, but that could rise as high as £32m, which would see the Englishman become Dortmund’s record buy.
However, as a result of the German giants’ desire to have him in their squad as quickly as possible, Bellingham is expected to pull out of England’s squad for the upcoming U21 European Championships, according to Sky Sports (10 June).
Bellingham’s sale is a good deal for Sunderland
Sunderland’s success last season was built upon several hugely talented youngsters who are coming through their ranks.
The likes of Chris Rigg, Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor all had particularly impressive campaigns, but Bellingham was arguably the jewel in their crown.
While losing him is undoubtedly a huge blow to their chances of survival, Regis Le Bris’ side can at least take solace from the fact that they have secured a positive deal for the club in the process.
Sunderland had previously been adamant that the young star wouldn’t leave the Stadium of Light for less than his £33.75m release clause, and although it now looks as though they have been forced to compromise somewhat, they have still secured a fee which is firmly in the region of that clause.
That does at least provide them with a decent sum that can be reinvested into other areas of the squad. The Black Cats’ young talents are massively impressive, but they will need more players like Enzo La Fee, who have top-level experience, if they are to survive.
The fee they are set to receive for Bellingham should help them to address that issue effectively.