Reece James and Jude Bellingham reacts as Jobe Bellingham sends emotional Sunderland farewell
Jobe Bellingham has sent an emotional goodbye message to Sunderland fans, with brother Jude Bellingham and Chelsea star Reece James reacting.
The 19-year-old started 42 games for the Black Cats last season, as they secured promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs.
Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the final at Wembley, completing a second-half comeback to down Chris Wilder’s side.
Tyrece Campbell had given the Blades an early lead before Eliezer Mayenda and Tommy Watson, who will be playing for Brighton next season, turned the game on its head.
Bellingham bids farewell
It has been confirmed that Bellingham has joined Borussia Dortmund, after Sunderland accepted a £27.8m bid for the midfielder, with a potential £4.2m in add-ons.
It is the highest transfer fee the Black Cats have ever received, surpassing the cost of Jordan Pickford’s exit to Everton back in 2017.
The Englishman leaves after a two-year spell on Wearside, making 88 appearances during his time at the Stadium of Light.
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists |
| 2024/25 | 43 | 4 | 3 |
| 2023/24 | 45 | 7 | 1 |
Bellingham took to Instagram to confirm his departure, sharing a number of photos of himself in a Sunderland shirt, as well as sending a long farewell message to supporters in the caption.
Chelsea defender James liked the post to show his support, as did Bellingham’s brother, Jude, who had a spell at Dortmund himself between 2020 and 2023.
Champions League football too inviting for Bellingham
Football Insider Verdict
After securing promotion back to the top-flight, some Sunderland fans may have thought that they could keep hold of Bellingham for at least one more season.
However, the 19-year-old has opted against a campaign in the Premier League in order to ensure that he is playing Champions League football.
Many would argue that he would have benefited from staying with the Black Cats, but Bellingham has decided to follow in the footsteps of his brother.
Dortmund finished fourth in the Bundesliga, and despite being 25 points off Bayern Munich who won the title, managed to snatch the final Champions League spot.
It will be interesting to see how the young midfielder copes with coming up against Europe’s elite, as he takes the next step in his career.