Jobe Bellingham posts a farewell message to Sunderland fans as he leaves for Borussia Dortmund for €32m (£26.96m) plus €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who helped Sunderland win Premier League promotion in 2024-25 with 43 appearances and four goals, previously came through Birmingham City’s academy.
Dortmund, who finished 4th in the Bundesliga to secure Champions League football, beat other European clubs for his signature.
If completed by June 10, 2025, Jobe could play in the Club World Cup (June 14–July 13, 2025, in the US).
Despite his selection for the European Under-21 Championship, England U21 coach Lee Carsley will allow players to join the Club World Cup.
Jobe, Adopted Mackem! ❤️🤍#SAFC | @j_bellingham pic.twitter.com/riz6nQMDt4
— Roker Report (@RokerReport) June 10, 2025
He said: “Dear Sunderland,
“It’s time for me to say farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have powered me through two incredible years in Red & White.
“Your support, on so many occasions, has completely blown me away, especially in the times of adversity which we pulled through together. You welcomed me with open arms as a kid leaving home for the first time, and I am proud that our relationship has grown to be so strong ever since. Your support for the team and I since I arrived at your beloved club was unwavering, and for that I am forever indebted to you as people and supporters.
“I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be. I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. So thank you. I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life, from the bottom of my heart.
“I tried to embody the passion you have for the city on the football pitch and I’m so incredibly delighted that our journey came to an end with a victory at Wembley to restore the club in its rightful place.
To the staff, players & most importantly the supporters thank you so much & good luck for the future.
“Jobe, Adopted Mackem.”
After winning promotion, he said to the club’s media: “It means everything, and for everyone here,” he said.
“All the staff and everyone involved – it means everything.
“The Club has been aiming to achieve this for the last eight years.
“Every single player that has come here has talked about wanting to get this Club back to the Premier League.
“So many have failed, but I take a lot of pride in being able to say I was one of the players who helped this great Club get back to where it belongs.
“I always believed. You have to believe. When you’ve got supporters like this and a group of lads like this, you have to believe.”
“People doubted us. That’s understandable because we lost a few games,” he continued.
“People talked about momentum, but we did enough, and we’ve shown enough throughout the season that we deserved a bit of credit going into the Play-Offs.
“With youth, you play loads of games at Sunderland. You get experience by failing. As a group, we’ve failed so many times – but in the end, we’ve come good.
“I’ve been part of this great team, so I’m really proud.”
Say it louder for the people at the back, Jobe! 📣 pic.twitter.com/MyLoPBKuhJ
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 24, 2025
SUNDERLAND STATEMENT:
Jobe Bellingham has today completed a permanent transfer to Borussia Dortmund for a Club-record fee.
A sell-on clause is also included within the agreement, which brings an end to the midfielder’s two-year journey with Sunderland AFC.
Bellingham’s unforgettable time on Wearside culminated in promotion to the Premier League last month, as Régis Le Bris’ side won the 2025 Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium.
The 19-year-old joined Sunderland from Birmingham City in June 2023 and made an immediate impact, featuring on 47 occasions and scoring seven goals in his debut season at the Stadium of Light.
A further 43 appearances followed in the Club’s 2024-25 promotion-winning campaign, as he was named EFL Championship Young Player of the Season and featured in the Team of the Season.
An England Under-21 international, Bellingham moves to Signal Iduna Park ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Kristjaan Speakman said: “I had no doubts that Jobe would develop with us at Sunderland. He has an unrelenting commitment to improvement that only the very best possess, and his progression is clear for all to see. Less obvious are the sacrifices and the challenges along the way, and I couldn’t be prouder of how he’s conducted himself and embraced the Club, the community, and our supporters. He’s lived and breathed Sunderland every step of the way. For our Club, it’s another representation of the strength of our strategy and what’s possible. Jobe wanted to create his own story, be part of a new Sunderland, and make a lasting impact. He achieved all of this, and although we are naturally disappointed to lose a player of Jobe’s quality, everyone at SAFC wishes him well in this next stage of his journey.”
All at Sunderland AFC thank Jobe for his exceptional contribution to the Club and wish him well at Borussia Dortmund.
Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director, Lars Ricken, said: “Jobe is an exceptionally talented player who, despite his young age, already possesses remarkable maturity and game intelligence. We are convinced that he fits perfectly with our philosophy of promoting young talent and giving them the opportunity to develop at the highest level. His professionalism, dynamism, and ambition will enrich our team. We look forward to accompanying him on his further journey and are certain that he will play an important role in Borussia Dortmund’s future.”
“We’ve known Jobe for many years and have, of course, followed his development very closely. He took another huge step forward last year and, at 19, has matured into an absolute leader. His presence and charisma in central midfield are remarkable and will make us better in a variety of systems,” said BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl, adding: “We’re pleased that we were able to complete the transfer before the FIFA Club World Cup and that we’ll see Jobe in our colors for the first time in the USA. He’s at his best and passionate about the task. Jobe wants and will forge his own path at BVB and put his own stamp on our game.”
Jobe Bellingham explains: “I’m delighted to now be a Borussia Dortmund player and to be fighting for titles with this great club. I want to do my part to celebrate success with these amazing fans here, and I’ll be working on myself and the team every day to achieve this. I’m delighted that I’ll be wearing the black and yellow jersey at the FIFA Club World Cup.”
The name is Jobe. pic.twitter.com/tJEdQZZMCr
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) June 10, 2025
Adopted Mackem ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SFOXGJvdQL
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) June 10, 2025
Twitter users reacted after Jobe Bellingham posts a heartfelt farewell message to Sunderland fans as he leaves for Dortmund…
@BRASunderland: It’s amazing how he became one of us in less than 2 years, it seems to me that he was from the academy. I’m rooting for a successful career.
@J_sturdy03: Forever grateful to have watched him in Red & White, destined for the very top ❤️🤍
@James_Jobling03: I’ve lost count of the amount of players I’ve seen over the years treat that shirt with nothing but disgust. Jobe was the complete opposite. An utter joy to watch and gave it everything for us. Wish the lad nothing but success❤️
@SAFCTC: He’s leaving the club on a high. Not many players have been able to do that here
@Jay_Alderson04: Definitely didn’t cry while reading this 🤥
@_CRVisuals: Best leaving message i’ve read. What a guy!
@SAFC_Freddie: Wish him the best of luck, always gave his all for the club, shows how we’re progressing as a club to buy for £1.5m and sell for £30m+ unbelievable business, unbelievable player, glad we got to nurture him on his journey
@Mackem_chris: All the hate from the other clubs and fans thinking he’s living in his brothers name. This boy is young, he’s going straight to the top. Him and his brother will be England’s midfield in a few years. Good luck and thanks for everything, Jobe.
@DinningAdam: Owes the club nothing, and left everything out on the pitch for us. Lad is going right to the top and I could not be happier for him!
@TerryHobkirk: Gave his all everytime he stepped on that pitch for us, carried us at points this season. Wish you all the best going forward Jobe, go on and kill it at Dortmund (and get us that nice sell on fee)
@swinneymr: Good Luck Jobe. Glad we were part of your journey and I hope you smash the rest of your career. You totally got what playing for Sunderland AFC is about and that’s why the fans have nothing but respect for you. Always 🔴⚪️ and always welcome back to the SOL. Go well young man 🫡
@SAFCsource: Best of luck to him but the most important thing is that it’s a good fee and it was done early, so plenty of time for us to use the money wisely.
@Philip_RJ89: Two cracking seasons, plenty of exceptional performances and a Premier League promotion to cap it all off. What a player he is — and hopefully he continues to progress in Germany. Absolutely loved watching him play for us. #SAFC
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