Man Utd face competition from Dortmund to sign 19-year-old wonderkid | OneFootball

Man Utd and Dortmund Battle to Sign Sunderland Star Jobe Bellingham

Man Utd eye second chance at Bellingham move amid European competition

Manchester United are once again at the heart of a transfer battle involving the Bellingham family, as TalkSport reports that the club is monitoring Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham closely ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the Championship’s most promising young midfielders since his move from Birmingham City to Sunderland in 2023. With 87 senior appearances already under his belt, Bellingham has become a mainstay in the Black Cats’ midfield, scoring 11 goals and contributing four assists.

His performances have caught the eye not only at Old Trafford but also at Borussia Dortmund, who famously helped his older brother Jude develop into one of Europe’s elite before his move to Real Madrid. According to TalkSport, Jobe has been recommended to Dortmund by their UK scout Daniel Dodds — a trusted family associate who has previously worked with him at both Birmingham and Sunderland.

Dortmund connection reignites memories of missed opportunity

United will be wary of history repeating itself. In 2020, Jude Bellingham visited Carrington and met with Sir Alex Ferguson, Bryan Robson and Eric Cantona before ultimately choosing Dortmund. That decision proved pivotal for his career, and United are now pushing to ensure they don’t miss out on a second Bellingham.

Jobe’s development trajectory has been similarly impressive. After making 26 appearances for Birmingham, he has taken on a senior role at Sunderland, who are preparing for a tough Championship play-off campaign. His form has remained consistent despite the club’s recent dip, with Sunderland failing to win any of their last six matches.

Sunderland’s play-off run adds transfer tension

As Sunderland prepare to face Coventry City in the play-off semi-finals, attention off the pitch could intensify. Promotion could alter their valuation of the player, or their ability to retain him. A strong showing in the play-offs might also spark further interest from Premier League and European clubs alike.

Bellingham’s future, much like his brother’s four years ago, is set to become one of the summer’s key narratives.

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Watching Jude Bellingham excel in Germany and then dominate for Real Madrid after bypassing United still stings for the supporters. Missing out on Jobe would feel like déjà vu, especially if he hits similar heights.

There’s a growing sense among fans that the club must act decisively. United can’t afford to be passive in this chase, particularly when the player fits so many of the current needs: young, technically sound, athletic, and familiar with pressure. Jobe has shown at Sunderland that he’s more than a name — he’s a leader, and a consistent performer in a demanding league.

Of course, Dortmund’s interest is a major threat. Their track record of developing young talent, especially English midfielders, is unmatched. But this is Manchester United. This should be where players want to come. The club’s project under INEOS needs to be sold convincingly, because the next chapter should be written with talent like Bellingham at its core.

Failing to land him would be more than just another missed opportunity — it would be a continuation of a troubling pattern.