By Martin Graham
Jobe Bellingham’s journey continues to mirror that of his brother Jude, with the younger Bellingham now set for a high-profile switch to Borussia Dortmund in a deal that could be worth up to £31 million. The 19-year-old midfielder was instrumental in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League during the 2024–25 season, but he will not remain with the club for their top-flight campaign.
The move makes him Sunderland’s most lucrative outgoing transfer and Dortmund’s second-biggest purchase, only behind Ousmane Dembele’s 2016 arrival. Dortmund secured Champions League qualification after finishing fourth in the Bundesliga, making them an appealing destination for one of England’s rising midfield talents.
Jobe is following a familiar path. Jude joined Dortmund from Birmingham City for an initial £25 million in 2020 at just 17 years old. During his time in Germany, he made 132 appearances, collected a DFB Pokal title in 2021, and was named Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2022–23 before making a record move to Real Madrid. Jude has since won multiple major honors in Spain, including La Liga and the Champions League.
While comparisons with his older sibling are unavoidable, Jobe has been deliberate in shaping his own identity. Choosing to display his first name on his shirt, he has expressed a desire to be recognized on his own merits. According to Tony Mowbray, his former coach at Sunderland, Jobe is focused on forging an independent career and earning recognition through his own performances.
Positionally, he differs slightly from Jude. While his brother often plays closer to the attack, Jobe is more versatile, operating as a defensive or central midfielder. During his time at Sunderland, he was even asked to play further forward on occasion but has made clear that he feels most comfortable in a box-to-box role. He believes this position allows him to contribute both defensively and offensively.
In the 2024–25 campaign, Jobe made 43 appearances for Sunderland, scoring four times and providing three assists. Manager Regis Le Bris praised his flexibility and highlighted his qualities as an energetic and aggressive number eight. His physical style, combined with his ability to connect the back and front lines, makes him a valuable asset in midfield.
Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini believes the switch to Germany is a smart step for Jobe’s development. He suggested that the Bundesliga offers a competitive level slightly above the Championship but below the Premier League, with fewer external pressures. Financial considerations and the potential for consistent playing time also contribute to the appeal.
Both Jobe and Jude began their careers at Birmingham City and were born in Stourbridge. While Jude has become a regular for England, earning over 40 senior caps and appearing in two European Championship finals, Jobe is currently part of the national setup at the youth level and will represent England at the upcoming Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia.
Jude has spoken publicly about his hopes to one day play alongside his brother for the national team. He described the idea as a lifelong dream, fueled by memories of playing together during their childhood. For Jude, sharing the pitch with Jobe in an England shirt would surpass all his professional achievements.
If Jobe’s transfer to Dortmund is finalized by 10 June, he could potentially be included in their squad for the Club World Cup in the United States, taking place from 14 June to 13 July. Dortmund are placed in Group F alongside Fluminense, Ulsan HD, and Mamelodi Sundowns. Real Madrid, Jude’s current team, are in Group H.
Should both clubs progress successfully from their groups and the first knockout stage, the brothers could face each other in a quarter-final on 5 July. That potential matchup would mark their first meeting in a professional setting – a stage that could give Jobe the perfect opportunity to establish himself in world football.
