‘Sunderland have agreed extraordinary Jobe Bellingham deal’ – Stefan Borson
Sunderland have agreed an “extraordinary” deal after Jobe Bellingham has completed his move to Borussia Dortmund.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 May Bellingham had verbally agreed to join Dortmund before the switch was officially confirmed on 10 June.
The 19-year-old is now the Black Cats’ record sale, with his move to the Bundesliga giants worth an initial £27million and a further £4million in add-ons.
The midfielder is following in the footsteps of his brother, Jude Bellingham, who spent three years at Dortmund between 2020 and 2023.
Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Bellingham’s sale shows the challenges promoted sides face to compete when the likes of Brighton have signed 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas for £30million.
Bellingham’s final game for Regis Le Bris’s side was their Championship play-off final win against Sheffield United, where they clinched promotion back to the Premier League.
The teenager registered four goals and three assists in 43 appearances for Sunderland in the 2024-25 season.
Sunderland banked significant profit after confirmed news
Borson insisted it’s understandable Sunderland have decided to bank the profit on Bellingham, having signed him for around £3million from Birmingham City in 2023.
He told Football Insider: “It’s hard for them to turn down that kind of money.
“It’s an extraordinary fee. I think most people would say it’s a very good fee.
“I think it does highlight, though, the challenge that the promoted teams have got and the disadvantages there are when they’re selling a 19-year-old player for around £30million at the same time Brighton are buying an 18-year-old for £30million.
“It’s so difficult for the promoted teams to compete, but you can understand why Sunderland would bank that profit and look to see where they could reinvest it.”
Sunderland race to sign Vladimir Coufal
In terms of a potential incoming, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 11 June Sunderland are interested in signing Vladimir Coufal on a free transfer.
Fellow promoted sides Leeds United and Burnley are also monitoring the Czech Republic international’s situation alongside Wolves and Fulham.
The 32-year-old right-back is a free agent this summer after leaving West Ham upon the expiration of his contract following five years with the club.
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