Report: Jobe Bellingham’s holiday interrupted as Dortmund make transfer push | OneFootball

Interest builds in Bellingham after Sunderland promotion

Jobe Bellingham’s rise continues to attract major European interest, even after he played a pivotal role in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League. According to The Birmingham Mail, Bundesliga clubs are now vying for the 19-year-old’s signature, with Borussia Dortmund going as far as interrupting his holiday to sway his decision.

Despite Sunderland’s return to top-flight football, Bellingham is “expected to leave Sunderland,” a prospect that will certainly raise eyebrows on Wearside. His development since leaving Birmingham City has been impressive, and now the Black Cats may be preparing for life without him — while Birmingham stand to benefit from any transfer windfall thanks to a sell-on clause from his initial £3 million move.

Photo: IMAGO

Dortmund pull bold move to lure Bellingham

Sebastian Kehl, Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director, is reported to have taken extraordinary steps in the race to secure Bellingham’s services. The Northern Echo claims Kehl flew out to Ibiza, where Jobe is currently holidaying with his brother Jude Bellingham and close friends, to make a personal pitch.

“Kehl followed the younger Bellingham out there and held a private conversation… with Dortmund desperate to win the battle,” the Echo reports.

It’s a remarkable development considering Bellingham had only just held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt a few days prior. Frankfurt and Dortmund are both offering UEFA Champions League football, something no Premier League suitor can currently guarantee him.

RB Leipzig remain interested but are considered outsiders. “Reports in Germany claim Bellingham has not yet made his mind up on his next move, although it would now be a surprise if he was to stay at Sunderland,” the Echo adds.

Premier League interest may not be enough

Despite Bellingham’s Premier League-ready potential, English clubs are believed to be merely “keeping tabs” on his situation rather than pushing decisively for a deal. It seems more likely that the teenager will continue his development abroad, in a league known for nurturing young English talent. Dortmund’s recent success stories with Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho only enhance their appeal.

For Birmingham City, there is clear incentive to see Bellingham move on. Their reported sell-on clause could result in a significant financial boost. With Sunderland likely to demand around £25 million, the Blues are expected to receive a tidy percentage of the profit.

Photo IMAGO

Jude’s success influences Jobe’s future

It would be no surprise if Jude Bellingham’s journey has influenced Jobe’s career decisions. Jude thrived in Germany, becoming one of Europe’s most dynamic midfielders before joining Real Madrid. The younger Bellingham now stands on the edge of a similar trajectory, and Dortmund clearly see the potential for a repeat success story.

The personal involvement of Kehl suggests Dortmund are serious about building their future midfield around the England Under-21 international. And if Jobe does choose to follow in his brother’s Bundesliga footsteps, Birmingham City and Sunderland alike could be majorly impacted.

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From a Sunderland supporter’s perspective, this report hits hard. Jobe Bellingham was one of the standout performers during the promotion campaign. At just 19, he brought energy, intelligence and flair to the midfield. The thought of losing him — especially just as the club prepares for life back in the Premier League — is frustrating.

Still, there’s realism among the fanbase. Most know that Sunderland’s business model includes player development and profitable sales. If Bellingham is to move, fans will hope for a fair fee and reinvestment in the squad.

That said, the timing is disappointing. The club has just returned to the top tier and retaining its young core is vital to staying there. The idea that Dortmund flew out to Ibiza just to speak with him shows how far Bellingham’s reputation has grown. “We can’t stop top clubs circling,” one fan remarked online, “but we can at least demand top money.”

In the end, Jobe’s legacy at Sunderland may be defined not by longevity but by impact. If he helps deliver Premier League survival indirectly through a record-breaking sale, fans might look back with admiration, even if tinged with regret.