At Borussia Dortmund, they have fond memories of Jude Bellingham. So fond, in fact, that the name Bellingham features high on their wishlist as they look to strengthen the squad for the new season. Jobe Bellingham, to be precise the younger brother of the Real Madrid superstar.
At just 19 years of age, Jobe Bellingham is already drawing serious attention from some of Europe’s top clubs, and with good reason. After a standout season at Sunderland in the EFL Championship, the younger brother of Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham is beginning to carve out a path of his own.
With Borussia Dortmund reportedly monitoring his progress closely, a potential move to Germany could be on the horizon one that would see the Bellingham name return to a club where it already carries significant weight.
Jobe's rise has been both rapid and impressive. In what is his first full season at Sunderland, he has featured in 45 matches across all competitions, a remarkable number for a teenager at this level of the game. With seven goals and one assist to his name, Bellingham hasn’t just been a consistent performer he’s been one of the key figures in Sunderland’s push for promotion. His performances earned him the prestigious Championship Young Player of the Season award, underlining his growing influence and potential.
Sunderland’s campaign has been one of resilience and ambition. Finishing fourth in one of the most competitive second divisions in Europe is no small feat, and it means the Black Cats are just three matches away from a Premier League return. Their first hurdle comes this Friday in the form of Coventry City, a club with its own recent Premier League ambitions. For Jobe, this playoff clash could be one of the defining moments of his young career but it may also be one of his last appearances in a Sunderland shirt.
According to German outlet Kicker, Borussia Dortmund are preparing to make a move. The Bundesliga club, known for its elite player development system and willingness to trust young talent, are no strangers to the Bellingham family. Jobe’s older brother Jude joined Dortmund in 2020 as a 17-year-old from Birmingham City and spent three transformative seasons at Signal Iduna Park. His development there from promising prospect to one of the world’s top midfielders was nothing short of extraordinary. Now, Real Madrid is reaping the benefits of that growth after securing his services in 2023 for a fee of €113 million.
The idea of Jobe following a similar path is no coincidence. Dortmund’s track record with youth talent is unparalleled in Europe. From Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland to Christian Pulisic and Jude Bellingham himself, the club has built a reputation for spotting and nurturing next-generation stars. For players like Jobe, the opportunity to develop in a competitive but supportive environment, away from the immediate spotlight of the Premier League, can be a strategic and rewarding move.
However, acquiring Jobe won’t be straightforward. Reports suggest that Sunderland would demand a fee at least equal to what Dortmund paid for Jude over €30 million and perhaps more. The price reflects not only the talent of the player but the reality of the modern transfer market, where young English talents command premium fees. Jobe has also attracted attention from clubs in England and beyond, and if Dortmund hesitate, other suitors will be ready to pounce.
What might give Dortmund the edge, however, is familiarity. Jobe knows the club well through his brother. He’s visited Signal Iduna Park, seen the facilities, and watched Jude flourish in black and yellow. The emotional connection and positive family experience may well be a decisive factor, especially for a young player making a critical career decision. Dortmund also offers something many other clubs can’t: a proven roadmap for players his age to succeed at the highest level.
Yet, one major obstacle remains: European qualification. As Kicker notes, Dortmund’s participation in next season’s Champions League is still uncertain. The Bundesliga campaign has been inconsistent, and a top-four finish is not guaranteed. Missing out on the Champions League or any European competition would limit the club’s financial flexibility and reduce its appeal to ambitious young players. For Jobe Bellingham, the chance to play in Europe could be a key factor, especially given what his brother experienced at Dortmund.
At present, BVB’s transfer plans remain tentative, dependent on how the final weeks of the season unfold. Once clarity emerges regarding their European status, Dortmund is expected to move quickly. Should they secure qualification, Jobe Bellingham may become one of their top priorities for the summer window.
For Sunderland, the next few weeks are equally critical. Promotion to the Premier League would strengthen their position not only financially but in their ability to retain emerging stars like Bellingham. However, even with promotion, the allure of Dortmund and the chance to follow in his brother’s footsteps may prove too strong to resist. It would also be an emotionally symbolic move: the Bellingham name returning to Germany, this time with a new story to write.
As things stand, Jobe Bellingham is at a crossroads between continuing a promising project at Sunderland or taking a bold step abroad. Either way, it’s clear that he is no longer just “Jude’s little brother.” He’s a rising star in his own right, and the next chapter of his career may very well take place on one of Europe’s biggest stages.
