Borussia Dortmund are keen on Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham, who could follow in the footsteps of older brother Jude.
Four years ago, Jude Bellingham left Birmingham City to join Borussia Dortmund, kickstarting the England midfielder’s rise to stardom.
Now, Sunderland ace Jobe Bellingham is tipped to follow in his footsteps after his impressive start to the 2024/25 season with the Black Cats.
Borussia Dortmund are heavily linked with Bellingham at Sunderland and could make their move in the upcoming January transfer window.
Bellingham is reportedly being valued at £20million by the Sunderland owners. But whether they’re keen on a January sale remains to be seen.
Given Jude’s previous move to Dortmund, there’s the obvious link between Jobe Bellingham and Dortmund.
But the German giants may have another secret weapon in the race to sign the 19-year-old in 2025.
Mike Dodds connection could play factor in Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund are making a habit of picking up talented youngsters from England and making them into international superstars.
Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho are a couple, and with regards to Jobe, there’s a pre-existing connection involving Mike Dodds.
Sunderland assistant first-team coach Mike Dodds’ brother, Daniel Dodds, is Borussia Dortmund’s English scout, with personal connections to the Bellingham family.
Dodds has been present at the Stadium of Light since Jobe Bellingham arrived in a £3million deal from Birmingham City in the summer of 2023.
Dodds even managed Bellingham during the second half of last season when he was placed in interim charge of the Black Cats.
What Mike Dodds said about Jobe Bellingham last season is very interesting
Last season when Dodds was interim boss, Bellingham played as the no.9, with Sunderland’s striker options at the time being very limited.
And Bellingham impressed. His athleticism and work-rate held him in good stead as the lone striker, leading Dodds to tip Bellingham to be the long-term answer to Sunderland’s previous striker woes.
Dodds said of Bellingham last season: “We have discussed that [Bellingham being a long-term striker option].
“We have five games left, he has the summer and he’ll six weeks or so to refine his game. My statement would be why not, why can’t Jobe be the No.9 for the football club?”
But with Bellingham having played solely as a midfielder this season, in the holding role and as a no.10, it’s clear that his traits are best served in the middle of the park.
Whether or not Dodds and his brother at Dortmund have spoken about Bellingham remains to be seen, but the connection certainly makes things interesting.