Jobe Bellingham exit deal done at Sunderland as Birmingham also in line to profit
Borussia Dortmund appear to be on the verge of securing the coveted services of Sunderland’s prodigious midfielder Jobe Bellingham.
The two prominent clubs have been locked in intensive negotiations in recent weeks over a potential transfer for Bellingham.
It now seems that a significant agreement is tantalisingly close to being finalised for Bellingham.
Bellingham transfer saga nears conclusion
Dortmund have a longstanding interest in Bellingham, with reports last week claiming the German side were preparing a bid for the young Englishman.
In a post on X (25 May), German journalist Julius Schamburg has now posted: “The transfer is practically complete; all that’s missing is the signature. The deal is done.
“It can still fail for whatever reason. For example, a medical check. Announcement expected early to mid next week.”
In a follow-up post, Schamburg said: ” The final fee is still to be discussed, agreement reached with the players side. Fee should be £25million or more.”
Should this high-profile transfer materialise, Sunderland would be set to lose one of their key players, who has been instrumental in their Championship campaigns.
Jobe featured43 times this season in the Championship, playing a key role in securing promotion for Sunderland.
He played the full 90 minutes at Wembley as he helped his side in their 2-1 victory over Sheffield United.
His performances have clearly caught the eye of top European clubs, with Dortmund not alone in being credited with an interest.
While they will be losing one of their top players, the reported fee will go a long way to help Regis Le Bris prepare his squad for the battle ahead.
The Black Cats will need to recruit well to try and avoid the fate of the promoted teams from the last two years.
Birmingham City also set to profit
Adding another layer of financial intrigue to this potential blockbuster transfer, Birmingham City are reportedly set to profit significantly from their former academy star.
The West Midlands club famously inserted a reported 15-per-cent sell-on clause when Jobe Bellingham made his move to the North East on 14 June 2023, for an undisclosed fee.
This crucial clause means that Birmingham City, who have just been promoted into the Championship, are entitled to a substantial 15-per-cent share of whatever the eventual transfer fee for Jobe proves to be.
If the highly speculated figure of £25m indeed comes to fruition, it would result in a welcome windfall of approximately £3.75m for the Blues – a welcome boost as they look to prepare for life in the Championship.