Dortmund hold cards as FIFA rule emerges after Sunderland-Bellingham transfer news
Jobe Bellingham has already agreed to join Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract but a fee with Sunderland is yet to be agreed.
Though Sunderland still hope to keep Bellingham, a move to the German giants now looks inevitable for the 19-year-old.
The two clubs are at a disagreement regarding Bellingham’s value, but if Dortmund can reach an agreement before their key deadline on Tuesday (10 June), they would hold all the cards.
Dortmund in race against time ahead of Club World Cup
Bellingham’s release clause is set at £33million, but Dortmund have instead insisted on a deal worth £25m.
The offer would be worth £21m, with £4m in add-ons, and German sources have indicated BVB’s first official bid, worth around £21m, was swiftly rejected.
According to The Mirror (7 June), Dortmund believed that Bellingham would be available for £25m due to an alleged gentleman’s agreement between the player and his current club.
Now, the Sunderland are insisting on Dortmund matching the England Under-21s international’s release clause.
| Jobe Bellingham’s 2024/25 Championship statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 40 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Accurate passes (per game) | 34 (86%) |
Dortmund are in a race against time to strike a deal for the 19-year-old before the Club World Cup.
If the Germans don’t convince Sunderland to offload their play-off winner before Tuesday, Bellingham won’t be eligible to play in the tournament.
Jobe, who looks set to follow in his brother Jude’s footsteps to Dortmund, was named in Lee Carsley’s England U21s squad for the European Championships on Friday (6 June).
Bellingham had been approached by fellow German clubs Frankfurt and RB Leipzig for his signature, but ultimately agreed terms with Dortmund.
Sunderland can’t allow themselves to be lowballed by Dortmund
Sunderland face a battle to keep the likes of midfield duo Dan Neil and Chris Rigg ahead of next season.
Therefore, they can’t allow themselves to give in to Dortmund trying to knock off millions from Bellingham’s transfer.
The youngster looks almost certain to leave the club, so the Mackems must give themselves time and the right financial backing to sign a worthy replacement.
One of those who could be lined up to replace Bellingham is Sunderland-born Jordan Henderson, with the Mackems set for a busy summer transfer window.