Jobe Bellingham is poised to follow in his brother Jude's footsteps, with Sunderland agreeing to a deal with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of the young midfielder. The move mirrors Jude's career trajectory, who also moved from Birmingham City to Dortmund before his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in 2023.

The agreement between Sunderland and Borussia Dortmund is reportedly worth an initial 33 million euros (£27.8m), with an additional 5 million euros (£4.2m) in potential add-ons. This would make Bellingham the second-most expensive signing in Borussia Dortmund's history, excluding add-ons, only trailing Ousmane Dembele. For Sunderland, this deal represents a club-record fee, surpassing the £30 million they received for Jordan Pickford's sale to Everton. The agreement also includes a 15 per cent sell-on clause for Sunderland.

Jobe Bellingham's move to Dortmund comes after an impressive season with Sunderland, where he played a crucial role in helping the team secure promotion back to the Premier League through the Championship play-off final after eight years away from the top flight. The 19-year-old made 43 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring four goals across all competitions. Before joining Sunderland in the summer of 2023, Jobe, like his brother Jude, came through Birmingham's academy and spent two years in the first team, making his debut in 2021 at the age of 16.

Several factors are believed to have influenced Bellingham's decision to join Dortmund. The club has a strong reputation for developing young players, and Bellingham is keen to follow in his brother's footsteps. Furthermore, Dortmund's UK scout, Daniel Dodds, has a connection to the Bellingham family, as his brother Mike Dodds worked with the Bellinghams in the Birmingham academy.

The transfer is expected to proceed quickly, with Bellingham already agreeing to the outline of a long-term contract with Borussia Dortmund. He is currently with the England U21 squad in Slovakia for the European Championships, but his departure was anticipated. If the deal is completed swiftly, Bellingham could potentially represent his new club at the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, scheduled from June 14 to July 13.

Jobe Bellingham's move to Borussia Dortmund marks an exciting chapter in his career, offering him the opportunity to develop his skills at a club with a proven track record of nurturing young talent. It also allows him to follow in his brother's footsteps, potentially emulating Jude's success on the European stage. For Sunderland, the deal represents a significant financial boost and a testament to their ability to attract and develop promising young players.