Bellingham 2.0: Jude's Younger Brother Follows His Path – What's His Style?

The Bellingham surname will once again resonate strongly at Borussia Dortmund. Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, has decided to follow a similar path and will join the German giants, according to multiple European media outlets. This strategic move aims to emulate the journey that catapulted his older brother to global stardom, solidifying Dortmund as a privileged destination for the development of young talents.

The 19-year-old English midfielder has sealed a deal with the German club for a five-year contract, as reported by reliable sources like Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic. The transfer has been finalized for an impressive initial fee of 33 million euros, with an additional 5 million euros in variables. This amount not only represents a significant investment for Dortmund but also sets a record for Sunderland, surpassing the sale of Jordan Pickford to Everton in 2017. Furthermore, the English club has secured a valuable 15% sell-on clause, which could bring them additional future benefits.

Dortmund's Strategy and a Versatile Talent

Dortmund's interest in Jobe began in early 2025. Negotiations were intense and involved high-ranking club officials, including coach Niko Kovac, sporting director Sebastian Kehl, and CEO Lars Ricken. The management spared no effort, traveling to England and even Ibiza, where the Bellingham family was on vacation, with the aim of convincing the talented player.

Despite strong competition from clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Newcastle, Dortmund prevailed thanks to their established track record in developing young prospects. Their previous success with Jude Bellingham between 2020 and 2023 was a decisive factor, demonstrating the club's ability to nurture and project careers into the global elite.

Jobe Bellingham, born in 2005, is a versatile midfielder capable of playing both in defensive roles and as a 'box-to-box' player, covering large areas of the field. During the 2024-25 season, he was a key player for Sunderland, featuring in 43 matches, scoring four goals, and providing three assists. His contribution was vital in the team's promotion to the Premier League after winning the Playoff final against Sheffield United.

Specialists highlight his ability to perform in defensive midfield and as an attacking midfielder, with a style that combines physicality, vision, and attacking contributions, showing similarities to his brother Jude in his early days. Having come through the Birmingham City academy, like his brother, Jobe debuted with the first team in 2021 at age 16 before joining Sunderland in 2023. His promising trajectory has led him to become an England U21 international, although his possible participation in the 2025 U21 European Championship is in doubt due to his transfer to Dortmund, which could register him for the Club World Cup, according to BBC Sport. Jobe's future in elite football looks bright, and Dortmund is where he hopes to forge his own legacy.