Jobe Bellingham has completed his €33 million (£28m/$38m) transfer to Borussia Dortmund after bidding an emotional goodbye to Sunderland supporters.
After a sensational promotion campaign with Sunderland, Bellingham is leaving the Stadium of Light for a fresh challenge in the Bundesliga, just like his brother Jude did as a teenager. Before packing his bags for Germany, the 19-year-old took to social media to express deep gratitude to Black Cats fans, thanking them for their loyal support throughout his time on Wearside.
Jobe Bellingham sends farewell message
Taking to Instagram, Bellingham wrote: “Dear Sunderland, It’s time for me to say farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have powered me through two incredible years in Red & White.
“Your support, on so many occasions, has completely blown me away, especially in the times of adversity which we pulled through together.
“You welcomed me with open arms as a kid leaving home for the first time, and I am proud that our relationship has grown to be so strong ever since.
“Your support for the team and I since I arrived at your beloved club was unwavering, and for that I am forever indebted to you as people and supporters.
“I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be.
“I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. So thank you.
“Also, I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life, from the bottom of my heart.
“I tried to embody the passion you have for the city on the football pitch and I’m so incredibly delighted that our journey came to an end with a victory at Wembley to restore the club in its rightful place.
To the staff, players & most importantly the supporters thank you so much & good luck for the future.
Jobe, Adopted Mackem.❤️🤍”
Most expensive outgoing transfer in Sunderland’s history.
Bellingham’s move is not only symbolic in terms of talent loss, but it also marks the most expensive outgoing transfer in Sunderland’s history.
The initial agreement with Dortmund is believed to be valued at €33m, with the possibility of €5m more in performance-based bonuses.
If those bonus criteria are met, the deal would surpass the £30m Sunderland received from Everton for Jordan Pickford in 2017.
Though his departure is a blow, the financial windfall provides a significant boost as Sunderland gear up for their first Premier League season in eight years.
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Bellingham has inked a five-year deal with Dortmund that runs until 2030.
“His salary, starting at €3.5m (£3m/$4m) annually, is set to increase incrementally each year, a financial framework mirroring the one previously used for his older brother, Jude, during his highly successful stint with BVB between 2020 and 2023.
Bellingham will initially wear the No.77 with his new club.
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Sunderland’s deal with Dortmund includes a 15 per cent sell-on clause, ensuring they’ll profit further should Bellingham eventually move on from the German side.
Additionally, his former club, Birmingham City, stands to receive a cut from this transfer, courtesy of a similar clause inserted when they sanctioned his switch to Sunderland two years ago.
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