Sunderland Reject Dortmund’s Bid for Jobe Bellingham Amid Ongoing Talks | OneFootball

Sunderland Standing Firm as Dortmund Pursue Jobe Bellingham

Quiet Confidence Behind Stubborn Negotiations

AFC Sunderland’s resolve is being tested, and so far, they’re not blinking. According to Sky Sports Germany, Borussia Dortmund’s pursuit of Jobe Bellingham is active but far from complete. The Bundesliga giants’ latest offer, reportedly under €25 million, has been firmly rejected by the newly promoted Premier League side. The report also states that “Sunderland is proving to be a tenacious negotiator.”

Negotiations are ongoing, with BVB representatives Sebastian Kehl and Lars Ricken engaged in discussions with Sunderland’s Kristjaan Speakman and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. The German side is expected to return with an improved offer.

Despite the standoff, there is a sense of quiet optimism. “All parties remain optimistic that the deal will close soon,” Sky reports. The idea of a €30 million package, including add-ons, may yet be the key to unlocking the deal.

Photo IMAGO

Why Dortmund Are Keen

This isn’t just about sentimentality. While the Bellingham surname carries immense weight in Dortmund, after Jude Bellingham’s outstanding spell before joining Real Madrid, this move is centred on Jobe’s potential, not his brother’s legacy.

Now 18, the younger Bellingham has carved his own path. In his first full season at Sunderland, he has shown maturity beyond his years and a versatility that appeals to clubs with high ambitions. He can operate as a central midfielder, No.10, or even in wider areas.

Dortmund, famed for developing young talent, see him as another long-term project. Reports from Sky Sports confirm that “Bellingham has agreed a five-year contract with Dortmund.”

Timelines and Club World Cup Planning

The deal’s timing is crucial. Bellingham has been selected for England’s U21 European Championship squad and is due to travel to Slovakia. However, “If there is a breakthrough in the negotiations – this has been agreed – Bellingham would travel to Dortmund and then also to the Club World Cup in the USA.”

It’s a clear sign of intent from Dortmund, not just for the future but also for the present. They want Bellingham involved immediately, potentially using the Club World Cup as a platform for integration.

Photo: IMAGO

Sunderland’s Position of Strength

Sunderland’s stance is more than just financial prudence, it’s reflective of a club with a long-term vision. Having returned to the Premier League, they are no longer content to be a stepping stone. Jobe Bellingham may ultimately leave, but it will be on Sunderland’s terms, at the right price, and with the right future guarantees.

This negotiation is not only about one player, it is about perception, leverage, and ambition.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Sunderland, this negotiation feels like a moment of arrival. For too long, the club has seen talent depart on cut-price deals. Now, they’re holding firm. While losing a player of Bellingham’s promise would sting, the insistence on a deal that reflects his market value signals real intent. There’s belief that this club can both develop stars and drive a hard bargain.

On the other hand, for Borussia Dortmund, the deal makes perfect sense. It mirrors their usual model, spotting emerging talent, offering a step up, and integrating with patience and purpose. Having Jude’s legacy in their locker only adds sentimental weight. But this isn’t just a name play, Jobe fits Dortmund’s blueprint: young, tactically adaptable, and with significant resale potential.

If €30 million is indeed the magic number, it represents a calculated gamble for Dortmund and a statement of growth from Sunderland. One way or another, this is a deal that speaks volumes about both clubs.