‘A class above’ – Sunderland fans react to emotional Jobe Bellingham announcement
Sunderland supporters have produced emotional responses to the news that Jobe Bellingham has left the Stadium of Light to join Borussia Dortmund.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Bellingham had verbally agreed to join Dortmund, while the newly promoted Premier League side and the Bundesliga giants confirmed the completion of the move on Tuesday, June 10.
The England Under-21 international helped Sunderland return to the top flight by notching four goals and three assists in 40 Championship appearances during the 2024/25 campaign.
Regis Le Bris’ men have already said their goodbyes to fellow promotion winner Tommy Watson, who joined Brighton in a pre-agreed transfer.
Sunderland supporters react as Bellingham joins Dortmund
Bellingham’s ultimate goal after moving to Germany will be to have a similar impact at Dortmund to that of his older brother Jude, who has gone on to become a Real Madrid superstar.
On Tuesday, Sunderland confirmed the 19-year-old’s departure via X: “Jobe Bellingham has today completed a permanent transfer to Borussia Dortmund for a club record fee.
“Thank you for everything, and best of luck for the future, Jobe!”
One Blackburn Rovers fan, who had seen the teenage ace in action against the Lancashire club, commented: “Looked a class above when they came to Ewood”, while a Mackems supporter said: “Absolutely gutted but wish him nothing but the best!”
Football Insider verdict
Bellingham is set for a big role at Borussia Dortmund
As reported by BBC Sport [10 June], Dortmund have paid an initial £26.96million for Bellingham’s services, and a further £4.2m in add-ons.
| Jobe Bellingham stats | 2024/25 Championship |
| Appearances | 40 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 3 |
While the 19-year-old has only played in the Championship for both former club Birmingham City and Sunderland, that sort of fee is indicative that Niko Kovac is intent on handing the midfielder plenty of first-team minutes in the Bundesliga next term.
His older brother Jude made 46 appearances in his first season with the German giants, and the former Mackems man could be set for a similar experience in 2025/26.
Furthermore, this summer’s Club World Cup hands Bellingham an early opportunity to settle into life with his new teammates and lock down his place in Kovac’s starting lineup.
Dortmund are set to face Brazilian side Fluminese on Tuesday, 17 June, before subsequent group stage clashes with South African club Mamelodi Sundowns and South Korean club Ulsan HD.
Meanwhile, France-based journalist Luke Entwistle weighed in on Sunderland’s interest in defender Cedric Kipre in a Mackem News exclusive.