BORUSSIA DORTMUND have announced the signing of Jobe Bellingham in a £26.9million deal from Sunderland.
The Bundesliga club have confirmed the arrival of Bellingham, 19, who follows in the footsteps of superstar brother Jude.
Bellingham joins Dortmund on a five-year deal running until 2030 after helping guide Sunderland to the Premier League last season.
The teenager will wear number 77 for his new club, sporting his first name ‘Jobe’ on the rear of his shirt to avoid the weight of his surname.
Bellingham has signed in time to participate in the Club World Cup for the German giants – who face Brazilian side Fluminense in their opening clash next Tuesday.
The midfielder, who came through the ranks academy at Birmingham City like his brother, has impressed earned his switch off the back of two strong seasons at Sunderland.
He managed four goals and three assists as the Black Cats finished fourth in the Championship, ultimately being promoted via the play-off final.
Bellingham penned an emotional goodbye to the Sunderland fans in an open letter on his Instagram.
It read: “Dear Sunderland, it’s time for me to say farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have powered me through two incredible years in Red and White.
“Your support, on so many occasions, has completely blown me away, especially in the times of adversity which we pulled through together.
“You welcomed me with open arms as a kid leaving home for the first time, and I am proud that our relationship has grown to be so strong ever since.
“Your support for the team and I since I arrived at your beloved club was unwavering, and for that I am forever indebted to you as people and supporters.
“I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be.
“I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. So thank you.
“I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life, from the bottom of my heart.
“I tried to embody the passion you have for the city on the football pitch and I’m so incredibly delighted that our journey came to an end with a victory at Wembley to restore the club in its rightful place.
“To the staff, players & most importantly the supporters thank you so much & good luck for the future.
“Jobe, Adopted Mackem.”
Bellingham joins Dortmund as the Champions League club’s second most expensive signing in history – better only by the arrival of Ousmane Dembele in 2016.
His £26.9m fee is more than the £25m initial fee that Dortmund splashed on brother Jude in 2020.
Jude spent three years at Signal Iduna Park before leaving for Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £114m in 2023, having made over 130 appearances for the club.
MORE TO FOLLOW…
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Read the full article here