Jobe Bellingham transfer: Director jets in as Sunderland hold talks
Sunderland have held talks with the director of a major European club regarding Jobe Bellingham ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
The Englishman joined the Black Cats in 2023 from Birmingham City and has since developed into one of the best midfielders in the Championship.
Regis Le Bris started the 19-year-old against Coventry City in the first leg of the play-offs semi-final away from home on Friday (9 May), with the visitors winning 2-1.
Frank Lampard’s team were beaten by the Wearside outfit, with the young midfielder putting in an impressive shift, and now a top European club wants to sign him.
Borussia Dortmund chiefs in England to speak with Sunderland for Bellingham transfer
Borussia Dortmund’s managing director, Lars Ricken, was in England to speak with Sunderland about Bellingham’s transfer, according to Sky Sports.
The news outlet reports (10 May) that the Bundesliga outfit’s chief, along with head coach Niko Kovac, flew to the UK, and negotiations took place for the 19-year-old.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 40 | 4 | 3 |
It’s been claimed that the German club have taken an interest in the English midfielder, having signed his brother Jude from Birmingham in 2022.
While Bellingham has shown massive potential at the Stadium of Light, he has a long way to go before reaching the levels of his sibling at Real Madrid.
Bellingham to be next superstar in Bundesliga
It isn’t surprising to see Dortmund expressing their interest, with top Premier League sides also eyeing Bellingham.
Real Madrid also want Jude’s brother, but it remains to be seen whether the La Liga giants will pursue his signature in the coming months.
It would make sense for the 19-year-old to follow his brother’s career trajectory and move to BVB to develop further.
Sunderland won’t want Bellingham to leave, but they may not have any choice if Dortmund make a push for him next summer.
Winning promotion to the Premier League could potentially help the Black Cats keep hold of the Englishman, but they have to get past Coventry to reach the final of the play-offs first.
Whatever happens, the Wearside outfit will surely make a hefty profit on the 19-year-old if they do sell him.
For now, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus will be focused on winning promotion to the top flight, but he’ll arguably have a say in what the future holds for Bellingham.