Jude Bellingham and Billy Gilmour respond to Jobe Bellingham’s ‘big’ message
Jobe Bellingham is ready to hit the ground running at Borussia Dortmund after his first appearance since signing from Sunderland.
Sunderland weren’t given long to enjoy their dramatic promotion to the Premier League as two exits took place within days, as Bellingham followed play-off final-winning goalscorer Tommy Watson out the door.
Dortmund paid the Black Cats over £27million to sign the 19-year-old, who follows the same path as his elder brother Jude to the Bundesliga giants after helping Sunderland seal their return to the top-flight.
Bellingham could have stayed the course with Sunderland and beaten his brother to a Premier League debut, but opted to make the move which also saw him miss out on England‘s Under-21 Euros squad.
Bellingham sends ‘big game’ message after Dortmund debut
Dortmund’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup has given fans of the Black-Yellows a chance to witness Bellingham in their colours ahead of schedule, just days after a transfer worth up to £31m.
Bellingham bid an emotional farewell to the Stadium of Light after his move to the Westfalenstadion was confirmed, and Tuesday’s opening match against Fluminense saw the talented teenager make his debut.
Brought off the bench for Karim Adeyemi in the 57th minute, Bellingham couldn’t spark Dortmund to victory as they drew 0-0 with Fluminense and posted on Instagram (17 June) after the match ended.
Jude Bellingham and Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour both left supportive emojis in the comments of his post, which said: “Very proud to have my debut in black and yellow. Big games coming up… Just the beginning.”
Bellingham brothers to blaze similar trails
Football Insider Verdict
Dortmund essentially took a punt on Jude Bellingham back in 2020 after his breakout season in the Championship with Birmingham City, but Jobe comes with a much more established playing pedigree.
Jobe had already taken the step to the upper reaches of England’s second-tier with Sunderland before Dortmund made their move, and was seen by many as ready to make an impact at Premier League level.
Jude’s career progression at Dortmund took him to Real Madrid and a Champions League title, and given his younger brother is further down that path upon his arrival, who knows where Jobe Bellingham could end up next.