Done Deal; Sunderland have officially sealed a remarkable deal valued at £27 million upfront, with an additional £4 million available in potential bonuses.
Sunderland Strike Record-Breaking Deal as Jobe Bellingham Joins Borussia Dortmund
Sunderland have completed what has been described as an “extraordinary” deal, with Jobe Bellingham finalising his move to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
As first reported by Football Insider on 28 May, Bellingham had verbally agreed to the transfer, which was officially confirmed on 10 June.
The 19-year-old’s move is now the most lucrative sale in Sunderland’s history, with the deal worth an initial £27 million, plus up to £4 million in potential add-ons.
Bellingham now follows in the footsteps of his older brother, Jude Bellingham, who developed at Dortmund from 2020 to 2023 before joining Real Madrid.
Finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider the transfer underscores the financial pressures that newly promoted Premier League clubs face.
He pointed to Brighton’s £30 million signing of 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas as an example of the difficult landscape.
Bellingham’s last appearance for Sunderland came in their Championship play-off final win over Sheffield United, a victory that secured the Black Cats’ return to the Premier League.
The young midfielder made a notable contribution during the 2024–25 campaign, recording four goals and three assists in 43 appearances.
Sunderland Secure Major Profit
Borson noted that Sunderland’s decision to cash in on Bellingham was financially sensible, given they paid just £3 million to sign him from Birmingham City in 2023.
“It’s hard to turn down that kind of money,” he said. “It’s an extraordinary fee, and most would agree it’s a very good deal for Sunderland.
“But it also highlights the challenges newly promoted clubs face. While Sunderland are selling a 19-year-old for close to £30 million, a club like Brighton can afford to buy an 18-year-old for the same amount. Competing at that level is incredibly tough.
“That said, Sunderland have made a smart business move and will now be looking at how to best reinvest that profit.”
Sunderland Target Vladimir Coufal
Meanwhile, Sunderland are already eyeing reinforcements. Football Insider revealed on 11 June that the club is keen on signing Czech right-back Vladimir Coufal on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old is available after leaving West Ham this summer following the end of his contract, bringing his five-year spell at the club to a close.
Sunderland aren’t alone in their interest—fellow promoted clubs Leeds United and Burnley, as well as Wolves and Fulham, are also tracking the veteran defender.
