Will Jobe Bellingham start for Borussia Dortmund? Niko Kovac reveals his plan ahead of Club World Cup opener as new signing awaits debut after switch from Sunderland

The Dortmund head coach has explained his plans for Bellingham following the 19-year-old's high-profile move from Sunderland earlier this month. Kovac conceded that Bellingham will require time to adapt to the team, while also acknowledging that it would be unfair to drop other midfielders who ended the 2024-25 season on a high.

Speaking at a press conference, Kovac claimed that Bellingham will not be a starter from the outset. He said: "To anticipate this: He will not play from the start because the one week since he joined us is not enough to internalize all our processes and all our principles. In addition, priority is given to those who have played so successfully in the last few Bundesliga games."

Dortmund signed Bellingham for €33 million (£28m/$38m), a club-record fee received by Sunderland. The teenager is set to follow in the footsteps of his elder brother, Jude, who spent three seasons at the Signal Iduna Park. Following the completion of his move, Bellingham linked up with his new team-mates in the United States and has been training ahead of the club's Club World Cup opener. According to reports, Kovac plans to use Bellingham two different midfield roles: as a number eight in a deeper role, as well as in a more advanced and offensive role.

While Bellingham may not start in Dortmund's opening game at the Club World Cup against Brazilian outfit Fluminense on Tuesday, he will be expected to brought on a substitute from the bench in what will be his debut for his new employers.