Jobe Bellingham is 'extraordinary' - Borussia Dortmund CEO explains how 'very close relationship' convinced Real Madrid star Jude's brother to make transfer from Sunderland

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has disclosed the personal steps he took to secure the transfer of Jobe from Sunderland. Watzke leveraged a longstanding relationship with the Bellingham family to assure Jobe and ease concerns about living in the shadow of his older brother, Real Madrid star Jude. Dortmund agreed a deal worth up to €38 million (£32m/$43m), a club-record incoming fee for Sunderland, including add-ons and a reported 15 per cent sell-on clause. Jobe joins on a five-year contract until 2030 and has already featured at the Club World Cup for Dortmund.

Watzke stated his “very close relationship” helped convince the 19-year-old to opt for Dortmund over other suitors. Bellingham was pivotal for Sunderland’s promotion last season and was named Championship Young Player of the Year. Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl and managing director Lars Ricken both praised Jobe’s maturity and leadership while highlighting his potential as a dynamic presence in midfield. The transfer was completed ahead of the Club World Cup, allowing Bellingham to contribute immediately and withdraw from England’s U21 Euro squad.

He is now Dortmund’s joint most expensive signing, with the deal potentially eclipsing Ousmane Dembele’s transfer fee. 

Speaking on Jobe's transfer Watzke said to Sky: "There were several alternatives before Jobe, and then Lars [Ricken] and Sebastian [Kehl] asked me – because they know I've had a very close relationship with the Bellingham family and Jobe for many years – to try to make a statement. So I went, and it worked out quite well. I really have a very, very good relationship with Jobe, which goes a bit beyond what you normally have with a player. At least that didn't hurt. Jobe is an extraordinary player, an extraordinary person, and I'm happy he's here."

Jobe is set to be wearing Dortmund’s number seven shirt. He will compete for a key midfield role in Niko Kovac’s side as they prepare for the Bundesliga and Champions League campaigns. Dortmund, having finished fourth last season, remain optimistic about a settled squad with minimal player turnover, according to CEO Watzke. The club expect Bellingham to develop as a leader and strengthen their midfield options, with upcoming fixtures including the Bundesliga opener. His presence and brother's influence underscore Dortmund’s focus on integrating him into their first-team plans.