Jobe Bellingham issues bold Borussia Dortmund message after Sunderland exit
Jobe Bellingham is finally a Borussia Dortmund player having completed his move from Sunderland.
The 19-year-old has been at the centre of a major transfer saga in recent weeks, as several of Europe’s top clubs have fought tooth and nail for his signature.
The midfielder made the decision to join Dortmund, and agreed personal terms with the German giants, only for the two clubs to struggle to agree terms, which delayed the deal somewhat.
Now though, the youngster is a Dortmund player and ready to move on to the next stage of his development. Sunderland have received an initial fee in the region of £27million for his services, but are now forced to cope without one of their brightest talents in their first Premier League campaign since 2017.
Bellingham doesn’t want to ‘follow in anyone’s footsteps’
After the season that Bellingham has had, it is hardly surprising that there has been so much interest in him in recent weeks.
The Championship Young Player of the Season was a vital cog at the heart of Regis Le Bris’ side, and was one of the most important figures in their promotion to the Premier League.
However, the prospect of top-flight football at the Stadium of Light ultimately hasn’t been enough to convince him to stay in the North East, with the youngster heading off to a side who are undeniably one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Sunderland will undoubtedly wish Bellingham well, but there can be no doubting that the fact that losing him is a major blow. He has developed so much as a player over the last two years on Wearside that it will be strange to see a Black Cats side without him in it next term.
Bellingham delivered a heartfelt message upon confirmation of his Sunderland departure, but his opening message upon joining Dortmund has been one of defiance and determination.
BVB announced their latest addition with a video on their official X account, with Bellingham narrating over the top.
“I’ve been here before,” the midfielder said. “Watching games, hearing the fans chant, feeling the power of these colours.
“This place has stuck with me. Now I’m here again – not to watch, and not to follow in anyone’s footsteps.
“The same stadium, the same city. But the story – that’s ours to write now.”
Bellingham’s decision to join Dortmund is a sensible one
As speculation of his move to Dortmund has gathered pace, there have been plenty of suggestions that Bellingham is trying to emulate what his brother achieved, rather than trying to carve out his own reputation.
However, when you consider the players that Dortmund have developed in recent years, it seems like a no-brainer of a move.
The likes of Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland both made huge strides in front of ‘The Yellow Wall,’ while English youngster Jamie Bynoe-Gittens continues to make a name for himself with every game that passes.
Bellingham will naturally be conscious of his older brother’s career, and having seen the way that he developed at the Westfalenstadion, that would surely have only helped to influence his decision even further.
If he can enjoy a similar trajectory in the famous black and yellow colours, then it could help him bridge the gap to becoming a worldwide star.