Borussia Dortmund have officially signed Jobe Bellingham, reuniting the club with the Bellingham family name five years after older brother Jude lit up the Westfalenstadion. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder joins from Sunderland in a deal reportedly worth around €10 million ($10.8 million), with performance-based add-ons included.

The move marks a significant moment for Dortmund, who have once again placed their trust in a highly rated English teenager—just as they did in 2020 with Jude Bellingham, now a superstar at Real Madrid and recently crowned Champions League winner.

Jobe Bellingham's Rise

Jobe impressed in the 2023/24 Championship season, playing 47 games for Sunderland and scoring 7 goals while operating primarily as a creative midfielder. His technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball have drawn comparisons with his older brother, though Jobe is carving out his own identity on the pitch.

At 6'1", he combines athleticism with finesse and is expected to bolster Dortmund’s midfield ranks following the departure of Marco Reus and amid injury concerns around key creators like Julian Brandt.

Borussia Dortmund’s Youth-Focused Strategy

Dortmund have built a reputation as one of Europe’s top destinations for emerging talent, with Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, and Ousmane Dembélé all flourishing before big-money moves. The club’s focus on youth development and Champions League exposure makes it a logical next step for Jobe's career.

Sporting director Sebastian Kehl praised Jobe’s "maturity and versatility", noting that the club had been tracking his progress for several years.

“We saw in Jude what Jobe also offers—intelligence, determination, and confidence at such a young age,” Kehl said in an official club statement.
Not Just Jude’s Brother
While the comparisons with Jude are inevitable, Dortmund have made it clear that Jobe is not coming in to live in his brother’s shadow. Manager Edin Terzić emphasized that the club sees "unique potential" in the younger Bellingham.

“He’s got a different playing style and brings something special. This is about Jobe writing his own story,” said Terzić.

Family Ties and Legacy

Jude Bellingham's spell at Dortmund between 2020 and 2023 transformed both his career and the club’s midfield. His passion and leadership as a teenager made him a fan favorite and helped lead the team to a DFB-Pokal triumph in 2021.

Jobe’s arrival adds a sense of nostalgia and hope, with fans already excited about the potential of another Bellingham era at the Signal Iduna Park.

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